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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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On Accutane From A Long Term, Have Hair Thinning, Bald Spot On Scalp. How Can I Reverse This Side Effect?

Hello, I took accutane almost 14 years ago and my hair has been thinning for the past 10 years. I am a 31 year old female and now have hair so thin that my scalp is exposed and I have an actual bald spot on my scalp. Research shows (along with several online chat boards full of people complaining of the same permanent hair loss ) that hair loss is a common and sometimes permanent side effect of accutane. My question is how can I reverse this side effect? I know it tends to affect and kill sebum producing glands. Is that what is causing the hair loss and can it be reversed with supplements to kick those (hair producing) systems back into gear?
Sat, 29 Jun 2013
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
HI,
Thanks for writing in HCM.
Accutane can cause brittle hair and hair loss.
Thinning of hair is due to androgenetic alopecia.It is hormonal hair loss.Treatment can reverse the hairloss to certain degree.Treatment has to be continued until the improvement is desired.With proper medication changes can be reversed.

Regards.
DrSudarshan
MD
Dermatology
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On Accutane From A Long Term, Have Hair Thinning, Bald Spot On Scalp. How Can I Reverse This Side Effect?

HI, Thanks for writing in HCM. Accutane can cause brittle hair and hair loss. Thinning of hair is due to androgenetic alopecia.It is hormonal hair loss.Treatment can reverse the hairloss to certain degree.Treatment has to be continued until the improvement is desired.With proper medication changes can be reversed. Regards. DrSudarshan MD Dermatology