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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; headache; isotretinoin; smell; taste.