| Title | Seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption in patients taking isotretinoin therapy for acne: retrospective study of five patients. | | Author(s) | Barzilai A, David M, Trau H, Hodak E | | Institution | Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, IsraelSackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. | | Source | Am J Clin Dermatol 2008; 9(4):255-61. | | Abstract | BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin therapy for acne is often associated with mucocutaneous reactions that are usually dose dependent.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of five patients who presented with a peculiar facial rash that developed during or after a successful course of isotretinoin therapy for acne.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, five patients who were treated with isotretinoin and who developed, during or following treatment, a peculiar facial eruption that has not previously been reported, are described. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, therapy, and course of the eruption are presented.
RESULTS: The rash was characterized by small, yellow, adherent, greasy scales, either flat-topped or spiky, mostly on the cheeks, that resembled seborrheic dermatitis. Cultures obtained in one case grew Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, Acinetobacter, and Pityrosporum ovale organisms. In another patient, microscopic study showed hyperkeratotic scales with many spores and Gram-negative coccobacilli. Topical administration of ointments containing chloramphenicol 3% for 2-3 weeks was curative.
CONCLUSION: Seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption may be another adverse cutaneous effect of isotretinoin treatment. Its pathogenesis probably involves a minimal toxic retinoid effect on epidermal differentiation with overgrowth of commensal microorganisms in susceptible individuals. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Journal Article
| | PubMed ID | 18572976 |
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