Evaluation of biophysical skin parameters and hair changes in patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin, and the effect of biotin use on these parameters

Abstract

Aim Impairment of biotin metabolism with the use of isotretinoin and the mucocutaneous side effects observed in patients using isotretinoin suggests that they are a result of decreased enzyme activity. We aimed to determine the pattern of skin and hair changes in patients with acne receiving isotretinoin and how these changes were affected by biotin added to the treatment. Materials and methods Sixty patients were divided into two groups. Each group contained 30 patients. Groups A and B received 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin, and 10 mg/day biotin supplement was added to Group B. Both groups were evaluated using a digital dermoscope for hair changes and with a DermaLab® Combo device for transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin retraction, skin hydration, and skin sebum levels at the beginning and end of the fourth month. Results In group B, the anagen hair ratio increased (P = 0.034) and the telogen hair ratio decreased significantly (P = 0.003). Skin sebum and the skin retraction values decreased in both groups. Skin hydration decreased significantly in group A (P = 0.001), but there was no significant decrease in group B (P = 0.43). Conclusion Biotin (10 mg/day) given in addition to isotretinoin treatment decreased telogen and increased anagen hair rates and helped to maintain skin hydration. The use of 10 mg/day biotin can prevent the mucocutaneous adverse effects of isotretinoin treatment.

Effect of Evening Primrose Oil Supplementation on Selected Parameters of Skin Condition in a Group of Patients Treated with Isotretinoin—A Randomized Double-Blind Trial

“…Serious skin reactions have also been reported, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, warranting immediate discontinuation of isotretinoin [ 34 ]. Aksac et al [ 64 ] found a decrease in skin hydration under isotretinoin use and Kmieć et al [ 26 ] found an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values in addition to a decrease in stratum corneum hydration.…”

Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies

“…This deficiency can lead to mucocutaneous and hair-related adverse effects [296]. A study has shown that supplementation with biotin (10 mg/day) alongside isotretinoin can alleviate these side effects [297]. The study found that biotin not only helps reduce the telogen (resting) hair ratio while increasing the anagen (growing) hair ratio but also assists in maintaining skin hydration [297].…”

Natural Hair Supplements: Biotin and Collagen

“…Biotin deficiency can lead to alopecia, periorificial dermatitis (i.e., a scaly, red rash around the eyes and the mouth), conjunctivitis, and skin infections (Katta & Guo, 2017). Insufficient levels of biotin have also been reported in patients using antibiotics for prolonged periods (e.g., to treat acne) and in patients taking isotretinoin for acne (Aksac et al, 2021;Saleem & Soos, 2023).…”