Drug-Induced Hair Pigmentation: Clinical Perspectives and Updates

    November 2024 in “ JAAD reviews. ”
    Sofia M. Perez, Sarah AlSalman, Luis Carlos Elejalde de Campos, Antonella Tosti
    TLDR Certain drugs can change hair color, either lightening or darkening it.
    This review discusses how various drug therapies can affect hair pigmentation, causing either hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation, which involves lightening or graying of hair, can be induced by drugs such as antiepileptics, oral retinoids, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antimalarials, or anticancer drugs. Conversely, hyperpigmentation, which involves darkening or repigmentation, can occur with targeted immunotherapies, oral retinoids, hormonal therapies, minoxidil, or immunomodulatory drugs. These pigmentation changes can be distressing for patients and are often difficult to attribute to a specific drug. The review aims to provide an updated understanding of drugs associated with hair color changes, their prevalence, clinical characteristics, and proposed mechanisms, aiding in clinical diagnosis and management.
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