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A study of etretinate alopecia
J Berth-Jones1, D Shuttleworth, P E Hutchinson
1Department of Dermatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Etretinate treatment can cause hair loss by shortening the duration of the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. This leads to an increased number of hairs in the telogen (resting) phase, resulting in alopecia.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hair Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Etretinate is a retinoid used for various skin conditions.
- Hair loss (alopecia) is a known side effect of etretinate therapy.
- The precise mechanism of etretinate-induced alopecia is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of etretinate on hair cycle dynamics.
- To identify the specific changes in hair growth phases causing etretinate alopecia.
Main Methods:
- Studied 22 patients undergoing etretinate therapy.
- Monitored shed hair counts and plucked hair telogen counts.
- Data collected before treatment and at 6 and 12 weeks of therapy.
Main Results:
- No evidence of anagen effluvium was observed.
- A significant increase in telogen hair count was noted, peaking at 12 weeks.
- The primary cause of increased telogen was a shortened anagen duration.
- A telogen anchorage defect was observed in two subjects.
Conclusions:
- Etretinate-induced alopecia is mainly due to a shortened anagen phase.
- Atypical telogen effluvium and telogen anchorage defects may also contribute.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform clinical management of side effects.