Hormonal analysis and delayed hypersensitivity reactions in identical twins with severe acne.

Identical twins aged 17 and another pair aged 21 are described. One pair had febrile ulcerative conglobate acne; the other, cystic acne. The location of acne, the type of the lesions and the course of the disease were very similar in the two twins of each pair. The testosterone levels of the 17-year-old pair varied and their acne was in the active stage, while the 21-year-old pair had high testosterone levels and their acne was abating. The 17-year-old pair had negative Mantoux reactions and they reacted negatively to DNCB sensitization. The authors suggest that acne skin may have a certain genetically determined local factor, e.g. hormone receptor, which gives rise to acne in a certain hormonal situation.