Effects of Oral Isotretinoin Therapy on Nasal Dryness and Nasal Obstruction in Patients with Acne Vulgaris: Objective and Subjective Assessments Based on the Dose and Duration of Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on nasal dryness and nasal obstruction in patients with acne vulgaris. Methods: A total of 102 patients with acne vulgaris (mean ± standard deviation age, 21.1±3.4 years; female, 64.7%) initiating systemic isotretinoin treatment [in 0.25 mg/kg/day (n=35) or 0.5 mg/kg/day (n=67) doses] were enrolled in this prospective study. Data on nasal obstruction [via nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE)] and nasal dryness via a psychometric response scale [visual analog scale (VAS)] and nasal Schirmer test values (right and left Schirmer values) were recorded at baseline. Nasal dryness (VAS and nasal Schirmer test) and nasal obstruction (NOSE) assessments were repeated at months 2 and 4 of treatment in isotretinoin groups. Results: The right Schirmer values at month 2 (p