How are Acne Vulgaris Patients Using Oral Isotretinoin Affected by Covid-19?

Kuş M. M., Ozturk P., Bulut T., Kuş C., Guner M. E., Nazik H., ...Daha Fazla

Dermatology Practical and Conceptual, cilt.12, sa.3, 2022 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 12 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5826/dpc.1203a146
  • Dergi Adı: Dermatology Practical and Conceptual
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: COVID-19, headache, isotretinoin, smell, taste
  • İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction: It has been reported that the use of oral isotretinoin may have positive and negative effects on the course of COVID-19 and the risk of transmission. Objectives: The purpose of our study is to evaluate how our patients that took oral isotretinoin during the pandemic were affected by COVID-19. Methods: The clinical processes of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris patients between March 2020 and February 2021 were evaluated. Results: Of 102 moderate-to-severe acne patients, 67 were using oral isotretinoin and 35 were using a topical treatment. Of 27 patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 16 (59.3%) were using oral isotretinoin and 11 (40.7%) were using topical treatment, there was no statistical difference in the rates of COVID-19 positivity between the two groups (P = 0.412). The rates of positive tests for COVID-19 were similar between contacted patients of two groups (P = 0.391). Loss of smell/taste was lower in patients using oral isotretinoin compared to patients receiving topical treatment (46.7% and 72.7%, respectively.). Headache symptoms were less common in patients using oral isotretinoin (P = 0.047). Conclusions: The use of oral isotretinoin did not cause an increase or decrease in the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The patients using oral isotretinoin had a lower incidence of taste/smell loss and headache.