Rapid Diffuse Hair Loss After Using Accutane

hello, I am a 25 year old male. At the age of 18 I underwent treatment for acne with the drug accutane. After the six months of treatment I had diffuse hair shedding, literally pouring on to the pillow and sink. Since then I underwent two more treatments with accutane each about two years apart. once again the intense hair shedding began both during and after the treatment. Now a couple years later I still suffer from the shedding.

My hairline has not suffered any recession, my only concern is the crown area where I have a very pronounced cowlick which twists and turns revealing scalp. In this area i lose alot of strong healthy hair bulbed on the bottom like a telogen hair the area becomes red, ithcy, and very suceptable to sun burn even with long hair. In the 8 years I have been suffering this I have not noticed any significant pattern of baldness.

What my question is, is can this be male pattern baldness, a skin disorder, or a following result if the use of the horrible accutane? I have an appointment with a dermatologist for this matter but I would also like your educated opinion. thank you

Accutane (isotretinoin) is known to cause hair loss. Or you could also have male pattern baldness (genetics) unrelated to the Accutane use. Or even a combination of the two — in other words, Accutane may have accelerated your genetic loss. There’s really no way for me to know for sure via the Internet without an exam.

A visit to your dermatologist is the correct next step.