Evaluation of biophysical skin parameters and assessment of hair growth in patients with acne treated with isotretinoin

In the 2013 study involving 30 patients with severe acne vulgaris, isotretinoin treatment at a dose of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day for 4–7 months was found to effectively reduce skin sebum levels but also caused increased skin dryness, higher skin pH, and more severe erythema. Importantly, the treatment led to a significant decrease in hair parameters, with a reduction in total hair count from a mean of 336.6 ±79.5/cm² to 231.9 ±56.7/cm², and a decrease in the percentage of anagen hair from a mean of 73 ±6.31% to 71.4 ±6.34%. These changes indicated telogen effluvium hair loss. The study highlighted the need for patient education on skin care during isotretinoin treatment and suggested that lower doses or shorter treatment durations might mitigate adverse effects.