Gender Identity Influences Skin Health in Adolescents

Gender identity affects adolescent skin health, and sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth prefer to be seen by a dermatologist that also identifies as SGM, according to a recent study published in Pediatric Dermatology.

“We aimed to describe the nature and frequency of skin conditions in SGM youth relative to their cisgender/heterosexual peers and explore adolescents' attitudes toward their skin health and accessing dermatologic care,” wrote the study authors.

Researchers invited SGM and cisgender/heterosexual youth aged 13 to 21 years to participate in a cross-sectional survey study. The 118 participants were seen at Seattle Children’s Hospital Adolescent Medicine and Gender clinics from June to December 2019.

Gender identity influenced how the young adult patients influenced their perception of their skin, but not sexual orientation. Both sexual and gender minority youth preferred to be seen by a dermatologist that identifies as SGM.

“Dermatologists should inquire with adolescent and young adult patients how their sexual orientation and gender identities influence how they view their skin, in an effort to guide counseling and demonstrate holistic support for adolescents,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Covelli I, Ahrens K, Onchiri FM, Inwards-Breland D, Boos MD. Influence of gender and sexual identity on adolescent skin health. Pediatr Dermatol. Published online July 16, 2021. doi:10.1111/pde.14686