The Development of Vitiligo After Cessation of Finasteride: Is This Part of Post-Finasteride Syndrome or an Adverse Event of Finasteride?

A 35-year-old male developed vitiligo after temporarily discontinuing finasteride, a medication he was taking for hair loss. During the 3-month cessation period, he noticed skin lightening on his arms, coinciding with starting graduate school, a stressful time. After resuming finasteride, he observed white hair in the transplanted area. Examination revealed depigmented patches on various body parts and poliosis in transplanted hair. The patient has no family history of vitiligo, though his mother has hypothyroidism. Treatment was adjusted to oral minoxidil and topical corticosteroids, with plans for UVB phototherapy. The case raises questions about whether these symptoms are part of post-finasteride syndrome or an adverse event.