Analysis of Isotretinoin-Induced Alterations in the Levels of Plasma Trace Elements: Investigation of the Relationship Between Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, and Treatment-Related Side Effects

January 2024 in “ Biological trace element research ”

Tuğrul Çağrı Akman, Mustafa Yazıcı, Alptuğ Atila, Cuma Mertoğlu

isotretinoin plasma trace elements magnesium phosphorus potassium zinc hair loss sebum secretion dry skin chapped lips Accutane

TLDR Isotretinoin affects trace element levels and requires monitoring of liver and kidney functions.

The study examined the effects of isotretinoin on plasma trace elements in 35 acne patients over 3 months. Significant increases in phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc levels were observed, while potassium levels decreased (p<0.05). Zinc levels rose more in men than women (p=7.3e-04). A strong correlation was found between magnesium and calcium (R>0.8). The changes in phosphorus and potassium suggest kidney function impacts. Monitoring liver and kidney functions, as well as phosphorus and potassium levels, is crucial before starting isotretinoin to manage side effects like fatigue, dry skin, chapped lips, hair loss, and altered sebum secretion.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Possible Relationship Between Poor Skin Disorders Prognosis and Serum Zinc Level: A Narrative Review

July 2022 in “Dermatology Reports”

Low zinc levels might be linked to worse outcomes in various skin disorders.

research The Effect of Parathyroid Hormones on Hair Follicle Physiology: Implications for Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

15 citations, January 2015 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

Parathyroid hormones are important for hair growth, but their use in treating hair loss from chemotherapy is still uncertain.

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community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

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Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

community Anyone else’s beard took a huge hit on finasteride or dutasteride? Would minoxidl hepl?

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The effects of finasteride and dutasteride on beard growth, whether minoxidil would help with facial hair loss caused by DHT blockers, and anecdotal evidence from users who have experienced either decreased or increased facial hair density while using these treatments.

community Female diffuse hair loss on spiro with irregular periods (photos) + genetic hair loss

in Female 17 upvotes 2 months ago

A 34-year-old woman is experiencing diffuse hair loss and irregular periods, possibly due to long-term spironolactone use. She is considering minoxidil and finasteride for treatment and seeking medical advice for androgenic alopecia and hormonal imbalances.

community Isotretinoin and Tretinoin difference

in Product 2 upvotes 1 month ago

Isotretinoin and tretinoin are different; isotretinoin can cause hair loss and has more side effects. Tretinoin may affect minoxidil absorption, and users suggest waiting before applying minoxidil.

community here is why isotretinoin might cause hair loss and maybe why dupa happens.

in Research/Science 7 upvotes 1 year ago

Isotretinoin may cause hair loss by increasing DHT through a precursor androgen, DHEAS. Treatments like topical antiandrogens (RU58841, pyrilutamide) and drugs increasing PPAR-y expression (pioglitazone) might prevent this hair loss.

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research Isotretinoin-Unresponsive Acne as a Sign of a Congenital Disorder: A Case of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

August 2023 in “Dermatology Reports”

Acne not improved by usual treatments may indicate a genetic disorder.