A Case of Imiquimod-Induced Alopecia

In 2010, a case report described a Caucasian woman who developed telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition, following the use of imiquimod cream 5% to treat actinic keratosis on her scalp. The hair loss occurred in the treated area about 6 weeks after she completed a 9-week course of imiquimod. Scalp biopsies showed an increased telogen to anagen hair ratio, confirming the diagnosis of telogen effluvium. Her hair loss resolved within 5 months after discontinuing the imiquimod treatment. This case indicated that telogen effluvium could be a rare adverse effect of imiquimod, especially when used on the scalp, and it underscored the need to watch for hair loss during and after using imiquimod.