Steroid induced acne has resulted in permanent scarring for a 21 year old bodybuilder. This is a stark warning to all those that take steroids, or are considering taking steroids, to try to build muscle faster. Steroid use is still a major problem, and it is often the young and impressionable that opt for steroids, without even considering the potential dangers.

In the recent case, a young German bodybuilder developed acne after taking steroids. However, rather than stopping the steroid abuse, or seeing his doctor, he continued as he was concerned that his mucles would stop growing if he stopped taking the steroids. The bodybuilder did eventually stop taking the steroids, but only after they had caused his testicals to shrink to the size of peanuts, and his sperm count to plummet to the point that his was practically infertile.

The doctors in Germany that examined the man were horrified at the extent of the massive, deep ulcerating sores on the chest and back. The bodybuilder has been left scarred for life as a result of his foolish actions.

Dr Peter Arne Gerber, from the Department of Dermatology at Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf, Germany, said moderate amounts of the drug could cause big problems, as is now evidenced in the above photo of bodybuilding scarring.

“There is probably a dose-effect with the steroids but it’s also dependent on how the individual reacts,” Dr Peter Arne Gerber, 2008.

The British Crime Survey estimate that there are 42,000 steroid users in the UK, but some experts believe the true figure could be twice as high. Anabolic steroids are usually synthesised from the male reproduction hormone testosterone. They have been banned by many sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, because of their danger to health and the potential for competitive advantage.

It is difficult to determine what percent of the population in general have actually used anabolic steroids, but the number seems to be fairly low. Studies in the United States have shown anabolic steroid users tend to be mostly middle-class heterosexual men with a median age of about 25 who are noncompetitive bodybuilders and non-athletes and use the drugs for cosmetic purposes. Another study found that non-medical use of AAS among college students was at or less than 1%. According to a recent survey, 78.4% of steroid users were non-competitive bodybuilders and non-athletes while about 13% reported unsafe injection practices such as reusing needles, sharing needles, and sharing multidose vials. Source: Wikipedia - Steroids

Jim McVeigh from Liverpool John Moores University, who heads up the substance use and abuse department, says;

“It’s well documented that some individuals can experience severe acne. Often this is just a transient problem - most people wouldn’t consider it a significant barrier to using anabolic steroids. There is a lack of studies examining the side effects of steroid abuse. Robust scientific research is required to establish exactly what effects anabolic steroids have on heavy users.” Jim McVeig, 2008

Really to stop youngsters from starting steroid abuse, more education is required teaching the dangers while still at school, as by the time people start suggesting young bodybuilders take steroids in gyms and weight lifting clubs, they have no information on which to make a decision.

News source: BBC Health News