Pyogenic granuloma-like lesions during isotretinoin therapy treated by electrocauterization surgery in Republic of Korea: a case report

Abstract

Isotretinoin is highly effective in the treatment of severe cystic and conglobate acne. On the other hand, its use has been associated with various side effects, including cheilitis, conjunctivitis, xerosis, epistaxis, and pruritus. The development of pyogenic granuloma-like lesions has been reported as a rare adverse effect of oral isotretinoin therapy. This paper reports a case of isotretinoin-induced pyogenic granuloma-like lesions treated successfully with electrocauterization surgery. This case illustrates the appearance of typical lesions and the clinical course of isotretinoin-induced pyogenic granuloma-like lesions and highlights the need for dermatologists to be aware of the adverse events that may occur during treatment with isotretinoin and that electrocauterization surgery may be a useful treatment option.