Isotretinoin is safe and efficacious in Asians with acne vulgaris

Abstract

This study reaffirms the overall safety and efficacy of oral isotretinoin in Asian patients with acne vulgaris.

Comparing the frequency of isotretinoin-induced hair loss at <0.5-mg/kg/d versus ≥0.5-mg/kg/d dosing in acne patients: A systematic review

“…Brzezinski et al 61 described hair loss in 154 patients on isotretinoin and commented on its persistence after completing treatment; however, there were no data to support this comment, and the time frame as well as the number of patients affected were unclear. Conversely, a retrospective study by Gan et al 55 reported that hair loss was temporary in 33 patients who experienced hair loss on high-dose isotretinoin.…”

“…Twenty-two studies (n = 9783 patients) were identified ( Fig 1 , Table I ), 11 , 22 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 17 of which (n = 3940) were included in the frequency analysis summary ( Table II ). One of the studies excluded from frequency analysis did not report the frequency of hair loss and instead quantified the total hair count, hair density, and percentage of hair in the anagen or telogen phase.…”

“…Although the product monographs of isotretinoin formulations (Clarus, Epuris, and Accutane) warn that hair loss may persist after treatment is completed, there is no definitive evidence to support this prognosis. 55,61 Impact on clinical practice Hair loss has been described as a rare side effect of isotretinoin in product monographs and in the literature. [13][14][15] This systematic review demonstrated a 3.2% to 5.7% frequency of hair loss, which is comparable with the frequency of the side effect of dry eyes (5.7% frequency).…”

Comparison of novel dual mode vs conventional single pass of a 1450‐nm diode laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris for Korean patients: A 20‐week prospective, randomized, split‐face study

“…For the reduction in seborrhea, many of the participating subjects assessed the effect of the laser on sebum reduction as a highly desirable facet of the novel regimen. Moreover, none of the patients developed “uncomfortably dry skin” from the laser treatment, which is commonly observed during oral intake of isotretinoin . Enhancement of both pain‐ and treatment‐related side effects was more remarkable in this novel regimen.…”

Is Oral Omega-3 Effective in Reducing Mucocutaneous Side Effects of Isotretinoin in Patients with Acne Vulgaris?

“…Mild acne resolves without scars, but the severe types may cause permanent scars [ 2 – 4 ]. Lesions are more common and severe in areas of the skin rich in sebaceous glands [ 5 ]. During puberty, following sebum production, Propionibacterium acne proliferates in the skin and some alterations occur in the follicular epithelial membrane, resulting in closed comedones which are the origin of the subsequent lesions.…”