Drug-Induced Melasma in Patients on 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: A Case Report - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Melasma
- #5-alpha reductase inhibitors
- #Drug-induced hyperpigmentation
- Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder linked to factors like hormones, UV exposure, and genetics.
- Five-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) such as finasteride are used for BPH and dermatologic conditions, but pigmentary side effects are rarely reported.
- Two new cases of finasteride-induced melasma are reported: a 53-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man, both with darker skin types.
- Improvement in melasma required discontinuation of finasteride and targeted topical therapies like cysteamine cream.
- Clinicians should consider 5-ARI exposure when evaluating new or refractory facial hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin.