Acitretin for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Case Report of Long-Lasting Alopecia

The document described a rare case where a 65-year-old male patient experienced long-lasting alopecia after being treated with acitretin for erythrodermic psoriasis. Acitretin is typically associated with temporary, dose-dependent hair loss, but in this case, the patient suffered severe hair loss across his entire body after seven weeks of treatment at a daily dose of 25 mg. Even after stopping the medication for over six months, there was no significant hair regrowth. The patient's condition was thought to be generalized telogen effluvium, a form of widespread hair shedding. Although acitretin is effective for psoriasis and usually safe, this case underscores the risk of persistent alopecia as a side effect, which can be distressing for patients and may lead to the discontinuation of the treatment.