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Clofazimine-induced Hair Pigmentation.
Mariam Philip1, Joan Felicita Samson, Puthenveedu Salahudeen Simi
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Dr. SMCSI Medical College, Karakonam, Kerala, India.
International Journal of Trichology
|November 28, 2012
Summary
Leprosy treatment with high-dose clofazimine can cause unexpected hair darkening. This hair color change persisted for at least eight months after therapy completion.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease requiring multidrug therapy (MDT).
- Lepra reactions can necessitate high-dose clofazimine treatment.
- Clofazimine is known to cause skin pigmentation.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing treatment for borderline leprosy experienced unexpected hair darkening.
- The hair color change occurred alongside typical skin pigmentation side effects.
Findings:
- The patient's grey hair darkened significantly during clofazimine therapy.
- This hair darkening persisted for eight months post-treatment, suggesting a prolonged effect.
Implications:
- This observation highlights a potential, previously underreported side effect of high-dose clofazimine.
- Clinicians should be aware of potential hair color changes in patients receiving prolonged clofazimine treatment.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanism and duration of this phenomenon.
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