Characteristics of Patients with Hair Loss after Isotretinoin Treatment: A Retrospective Review Study.

BACKGROUND

Oral isotretinoin has been used to treat acne for decades. Although the side effects of isotretinoin are mostly predictable, one less common side effect of isotretinoin use is hair loss, typically telogen effluvium.

OBJECTIVE

This study is a retrospective report on the development of alopecia in patients on isotretinoin therapy.

METHODS

To characterize these patients, they were further compared to other patients in the same time period who were prescribed isotretinoin and did not experience hair loss.

RESULTS

Of 6330 patients with hair loss, 48 had been prescribed isotretinoin at some time between 2013 and 2018. Of these 48 patients, hair loss occurred concurrently or within two years after taking isotretinoin in 19 patients. When compared to controls, patients who experienced hair loss from isotretinoin were older, had greater cumulative isotretinoin doses, and had longer durations of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although the exact mechanism of how retinoids affect hair loss is still unclear, our findings suggest dosage or duration of usage may be associated. This information may be useful in counseling patients who may be concerned about hair loss when considering isotretinoin treatment.