Facial hypertrichosis after isotretinoin therapy: Is it a side effect or coincidence?

• DOI: 10.4274/turkderm.galenos.2021.32396
• Publication Date: 2022-03-22T08:52:00Z
• Authors: Esra Saraç; Alkım Ünal
• Keywords: Isotretinoin; Hypertrichosis

Background and Design: Excessive hair growth after isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris is not common, but may be one of the most undesirable side effects drug.The aim this study to investigate relationship between systemic use facial hypertrichosis.Materials Methods: Female patients in premenopausal age were included prospective study.Laboratory tests [beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase] evaluated initially monthly during period.Hormone levels [luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating testosterone, free dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), prolactin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, glucose, insulin] abdominopelvic/transvaginal ultrasonography also when there was a complaint or clinical findings excessive growth.Body mass index (BMI) calculated at beginning study.Severity assessed with Global Evaluation Acne Scale (GEAS).Hirsutism scores Modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (m-FGS).Baseline taken digital dermoscopic photographs from chin cheeks transferred ImageJ program count hair.Hair increases >5% end according basal accepted as hypertrichosis.Results: Thirty aged 18-34 (median: 21.5) participated study.Mean duration therapy 6.2±0.6 months.Facial detected three (10%) patients.One patient had an elevated DHEAS level normal abdominal findings.Without cessation therapy, decreased limits two months.There no statistically significant difference found mean GEAS (p=0.52),basal m-FGS (p=0.42), BMI (p=0.71) hypertrichosis, remaining 27 patients.Facial hypertrichosis disappeared spontaneously 2 months (1-3 month) courses completed. Conclusion:The patho-mechanism induced fully clarified.Since ended, we think that due temporary drug hormonal imbalance susceptible individuals.