Isotretinoin and Hair Loss: A Clinical Perspective and Literature Review

Isotretinoin, a treatment for moderate-to-severe acne, is linked to hair loss, with telogen effluvium being the most common type reported, alongside cases of alopecia areata and other conditions. A case study of a 14-year-old male developed alopecia areata during isotretinoin treatment, which improved after stopping the drug and starting other treatments, suggesting a potential link. In a study of 124 individuals, hair loss incidence increased from 7% to 14% during treatment. The mechanism may involve disruptions in hair growth phases, but remains unclear. Strategies to mitigate hair loss include dose reduction and exploring new therapies, while vitamin D and iron supplementation are advised, but not vitamin A. The psychological impact of hair loss is significant, necessitating patient education and further research into the causal relationships between isotretinoin and hair loss.