A Bodybuilder’s Severe Acne Due to Anabolic Steroids Abuse.
Acne caused by steroids is usually mild. But in August 2008 issue of the Lancet, a German medical team had reported a case where the acne is so severe, it shocked most of the doctors.
His chest condition when he went for treatment.
1. The bodybuilder’s condition
The acne of the 21 year old had virtually invaded the chest as well as his upper back. It looked like ulcers and was filled with pus.
The condition was so severe that when he was photographed, the crusts of his acne were bleeding.
But that was not his only problem.
Like most athletes who abused anabolic steroids, his testicles had shrunk. His sperm count had also plummeted significantly.
The 21 year old's chest during his better days. Mild acne was visible.
2. He admitted taking steroids
After rigorous questionings, the patient finally admitted that he was a long term steroids user.
The two anabolic steroids he used were:
- Testosterone enantate at a dosage of 250 milligrams, and
- Metandienona at a dosage of 30 milligrams twice weekly.
He had also confessed to continue using the drugs while the acne was developing because he was concerned about losing his muscle mass. He went for help only when the acne was getting out of control and his testicles had shrunk.
After 6 months of prescription based medication. Acne was healed but deep scars were visible.
This case shocked the doctors because acne caused by steroids is not usually this severe.
3. The treatment
His condition improved after 6 months of antibiotics and antiseptics therapy.
Unfortunately, because the lesions and ulcers had crept deep into his deeper dermis, he was left with deep permanent scars.
As for his bodybuilding career, it could well be over.
One of the doctor who treated him said, “It is questionable whether he will be able to start building muscle mass again – he may not be able to perform the exercises due to the scarring.”
Fortunately, his sex organ will not be affected as his testicles and sperm count had came back to normal after he stopped taking the illegal drugs.
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