A case of imiquimod-induced alopecia

Abstract

Imiquimod cream 5% is an immune modifier approved for the treatment of genital warts, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. This case report presents an isolated case of telogen effluvium after 6 weeks of imiquimod treatment for an actinic keratosis on the scalp. Based on this case presentation, telogen effluvium is a potential rare side effect from imiquimod treatment.

Imiquimod-induced effluvium after intravaginal application for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

“…3 A systematic literature research found only 1 case of localized hair loss in the crown region of the scalp after topical IMQ treatment for actinic keratosis, presumably caused by a local rather than a systemic side effect. 7 We were unable to identify any other report on dermatologic or gynecologic patients with IMQ-induced hair loss. However, compared with the widespread use in dermatology, IMQ use in gynecology as an intravaginal application is still limited.…”

A case report and literature review of delayed telogen effluvium after topical imiquimod use in treating a cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion

“…Based on a literature search, we identified only two articles related to localized hair loss after topical imiquimod treatment [13,14]. The first study reported the case of a patient treated for actinic keratosis on the scalp, following which telogen effluvium occurred six weeks into the treatment.…”

Rare Cutaneous Side Effects of Imiquimod: A Review on Its Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management

“…Although all cases were imiquimod induced, the routes of administration and clinical manifestations were different. One patient developed localized alopecia at the treated site after treatment with topical imiquimod for SCC in situ on the scalp [ 123 ]. In the other two cases, diffuse hair loss occurred after self-application of vaginal suppositories (containing 6.25 mg imiquimod) for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [ 122 ].…”