Experiencing Hair Thinning on the AcneCutane Treatment
Hello everyone! I’ll get right to it. For a long time, I had been battling with skin breakouts on my face and body. Eventually, I started a course of AcneCutane. As of today, I'm on day 45 of the treatment, and I've noticed a significant increase in hair loss. Even when I wash my face, I notice some eyebrow hairs falling out too. Previously, I had rather thick hair on my scalp, eyebrows, and lashes; now, it seems to be thinning out. I've begun to see patches of baldness forming on the sides of my head. Initially, my dosage was 32 mg, but after the first month, it was increased to 48 mg. My doctor mentioned that my lab results were good, but I can’t help but wonder why I’m experiencing hair loss and why my eyebrows have thinned out so much. I've even observed a slight change in their shape! Right now, I’m finding it difficult to maintain a healthy diet, I smoke, and I've been under a lot of emotional stress due to a breakup from my first love after four years together. I’m 18 years old, standing at 178 cm tall and weighing around 65-67 kg. I would really appreciate any insights or advice from those who have been through similar experiences that could assist me in restoring my hair density!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 11:30:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about hair loss, especially while undergoing AcneCutane (isotretinoin) treatment. Hair thinning can be a side effect of this medication, and your current emotional stress and lifestyle factors may also be contributing to the changes you're experiencing.
Explanation
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AcneCutane and Hair Loss: AcneCutane can affect hair follicles, possibly leading to temporary hair thinning or loss in some individuals. This is not uncommon, but it can be distressing. It’s important to know that in many cases, hair growth can return to normal after stopping the treatment.
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Impact of Stress and Lifestyle: Emotional stress, such as from a breakup, can also lead to hair loss (telogen effluvium), where hair follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase. Additionally, smoking and poor nutrition can negatively impact overall hair health.
Next Steps
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Monitor Hair Loss: Keep track of your hair loss patterns. If the thinning worsens or you notice more significant bald patches, note these changes.
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Healthy Lifestyle Changes:
- Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote hair health, such as zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, fish, and eggs can be beneficial.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which supports overall health.
- Stress Management: Consider engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or talking to friends or a support group.
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Gentle Hair Care: Use mild shampoos and avoid harsh treatments or hairstyles that pull on your hair. This can help reduce stress on your hair follicles.
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Limit Smoking: Reducing or quitting smoking can improve overall health and might help with hair growth. Support groups or cessation resources can be very helpful.
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Check-In with a Healthcare Professional: If you are greatly concerned about the hair loss, it may be a good idea to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider for possible evaluation of your treatment dosage and any additional recommendations.
Your health and wellness are important, and making some of these changes can help both emotionally and physically. Keep focused on small, actionable steps, and take care of yourself. Let me know if you have further questions or if anything changes!
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