Photosensitivity reaction induced by finasteride.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Alopecia androgenetica (male-pattern baldness) is a common condition often treated with oral finasteride.
• Drug-induced photosensitivity is an adverse reaction to medications, leading to skin reactions upon sun exposure.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a two-month history of a desquamating facial eruption.
• The patient had been taking oral finasteride for four months for alopecia androgenetica.

Findings:

• The facial rash was determined to be a manifestation of drug-induced photosensitivity to finasteride.
• Discontinuation of finasteride for two weeks resulted in marked improvement of the facial rash.

Implications:

• Finasteride can cause photosensitivity reactions, presenting as facial rashes.
• Physicians should consider drug-induced photosensitivity in patients presenting with unexplained skin eruptions while on finasteride.
• Discontinuation of the offending agent is an effective management strategy for finasteride-induced photosensitivity.