Abstract
Background: Acne vulgaris is a self-limited disease primarily seen in teenagers and young adults. The permissible factor for the expression of the disease in adolescence is the increase in sebum production by sebaceous glands after puberty. The bacterial activity in the blocked follicular orifice leads to release of free fatty acids from sebum which results in inflammation with in the cyst leading to its rupture. This leads to formation of open comedones, closed comedones, pimples, and possible scarring and sometimes psychological disturbances such as loss of confidence, depression anxiety can also occur. Various systemic drugs are given to treat acne which may lead to alterations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was (1) to compare the severity of acne vulgaris with TSH levels according to age and (2) to correlate TSH levels with treatment.

Materials and Methods: The study group included 100 female patients of acne vulgaris who came to outpatient department of the department of skin and venereology and dermatology Tertiary Hospital, Ludhiana in a study period of 1 year. Patients were graded on a scale of I-IV according to Pillsbury Classification. Out of these 93 female patients came for follow-up and data of 93 patients were finally included in the study. Only female patients aged 15–40 years with Grades III and IV acne were included in this study.

Results: No significant change in TSH levels in acne vulgaris patients after treatment.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that alteration in hormone levels can be responsible for the pathogenesis of acne. Systemic therapy can causes alterations in TSH levels.