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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Accutane and hairloss
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Accutane and hairloss
by stizzit, Sep 01, 2001 12:00AM
Hi,
I just finished my third round of accutane (my 1st round, age 12, 2nd-age 15, and 3rd- age 20). About 4 months after my last treatment of accutane, I began to notice that my hair was falling out in larger amounts than usual (and it usually falls out quite a bit, because it is (was) so thick and long). Now, nearly 8 months having been off of accutane, my hair has lost more than half of its volume. The part is becoming more and more visible on the back of my head. The hairloss has not slowed. I wrote to Roche, complaining of the problem, and they admitted that hairloss was a side effect of using Accutane. However, I had been under the impression that any hairloss would have lasted ONLY during treatment, not 8 months later. Doctor friends have told my father that excess, toxic levels of vitamin A in my body may be causing the hairloss. Is this true? And if so, how long should I expect this to last? Will the hair EVER grow back? Will I lose so much hair that I start getting bald spots? It sure seems like it! Is there anything I can do? I used to have such thick hair, and now it is sooo thin! Thank you for your help!
I just finished my third round of accutane (my 1st round, age 12, 2nd-age 15, and 3rd- age 20). About 4 months after my last treatment of accutane, I began to notice that my hair was falling out in larger amounts than usual (and it usually falls out quite a bit, because it is (was) so thick and long). Now, nearly 8 months having been off of accutane, my hair has lost more than half of its volume. The part is becoming more and more visible on the back of my head. The hairloss has not slowed. I wrote to Roche, complaining of the problem, and they admitted that hairloss was a side effect of using Accutane. However, I had been under the impression that any hairloss would have lasted ONLY during treatment, not 8 months later. Doctor friends have told my father that excess, toxic levels of vitamin A in my body may be causing the hairloss. Is this true? And if so, how long should I expect this to last? Will the hair EVER grow back? Will I lose so much hair that I start getting bald spots? It sure seems like it! Is there anything I can do? I used to have such thick hair, and now it is sooo thin! Thank you for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 03, 2001 12:00AM
, Sep 03, 2001 12:00AM
Most of the people at the message board have gone to dermatologists and they insist its not caused by the accutane. We all find that hard to believe since we all have the same symptons. Anyways if you wish to view the message board you can do so here: http://www.hairsite5.com/f210medi5/discfem210_toc.htm
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