Facial Hypertrichosis After Isotretinoin Therapy: Is It a Side Effect or Coincidence?

The study investigated the occurrence of facial hypertrichosis in 30 premenopausal female patients with acne vulgaris during and after isotretinoin treatment. With a mean therapy duration of 6.2±0.6 months, facial hair growth was observed in 10% of the patients, although it resolved spontaneously within 1-3 months post-treatment. The study suggests that isotretinoin may cause temporary hormonal imbalances leading to hair growth in susceptible individuals, but acknowledges that the exact mechanism is unclear. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, the findings indicate that the hypertrichosis side effect is reversible and further research is needed to understand the drug's impact on hair growth. The study recommends endocrinological and psychological assessments for patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.