Facial Hirsutism as Side Effect of Oral Retinoids Among Females
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52206/jsmc.2024.14.3.841Abstract
Background: Oral retinoids remain the most effective treatment for severe acne which is a multifactorial chronic skin disease causing extreme reduction in quality of life. Retinoids long list of side effects includes xerosis, cheilitis, photosensitivity & pigmentation. Data regarding the relationship between retinoids & facial hair is scarce. The relationship needs to be identified & addressed as facial hair again is cause of decrease in quality of life.
Objective: To determine the facial hirsutism as a side effect of oral retinoids among females.
Materials and Methods: Data for the study was collected from 300 female patients visiting Dermatology OPD of Saidu Group of Taching Hospitals, Swat, during the year 2020. Demographic data was collected from the patients. Patients with severe acne were included in the study and they were put on oral retinoids 0.5mg/kg day for four whole months. The rationale was to understand the prevalence of appearance of facial hair in these patients as new entity.
Results: The study was completed by 300 female patients having severe acne and were started by oral retinoids and follow ups made monthly for 4 months. The results of the study show that facial hair appearance was highest (43.43%) in age group 30-35 years and lowest (3.03%) in age group, 36-41%. Of total 300, 99 (33%) got facial hirsutism and 201 (67%) had no facial hair.
Conclusion: This study highlights facial hirsutism as a significant and frequently observed side effect among 33% of 300 female patients on oral retinoids for severe acne, while other adverse effects were well tolerated without requiring treatment discontinuation. Further research is essential to explore hirsutism in larger patient cohorts.
Keywords: Acne Vulgaris, Hirsutism, Retinoids
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