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Pyogenic granulomas during isotretinoin therapy
Kathleen Armstrong1, Miriam Weinstein
1Paediatric Dermatology Hospital For Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 1X8.
Periungual pyogenic granulomas are a rare side effect of isotretinoin therapy. Stopping the medication led to spontaneous resolution in four acne patients, suggesting an idiosyncratic reaction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Isotretinoin is a common treatment for severe acne.
- Periungual pyogenic granulomas are infrequently documented as an adverse effect of isotretinoin.
Observation:
- Four patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy for acne developed periungual pyogenic granulomas.
- These lesions did not respond to standard oral or topical antibiotic treatments.
Findings:
- Periungual pyogenic granulomas resolved spontaneously after discontinuation of isotretinoin.
- The side effect appears to be idiosyncratic, not directly infectious despite skin barrier changes.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider pyogenic granulomas in patients on isotretinoin with similar lesions.
- Discontinuation of isotretinoin is the primary effective treatment for this adverse effect.
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