Effects of Oral Isotretinoin on Taste and Olfactory Functions in Acne Vulgaris: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common multifactorial inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Oral isotretinoin is one of the most effective choices among available treatments, and the most common and known side effects are mucocutaneous changes. However, few studies have investigated the smell and taste functions secondary to nasal and oral mucosal alterations. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in taste and smell functions before and after systemic isotretinoin treatment during a six-month period. Methods: The study included 48 patients with acne vulgaris aged over 18 years who were indicated for treatment with isotretinoin. Taste and smell functions were measured in patients at three different time points: before treatment, at the third month, and at the sixth month of treatment. Results: Among 48 patients, 35 (72.9%) were female, and 13 (27.1%) were male. The mean age was 21.02 ± 3.42 years. The mean dose was 0.56 ± 0.08 mg/kg. The median taste scores were 14.5 (11–16) before treatment, 13.0 (10.5–16) at the third, and 12.0 (9–14) at the sixth month of therapy (P<0.001). A positive correlation was found between the decrease in taste scores and the mean dose (r=0.418, P=0.003). No significant change was observed in olfactory scores (P>0.05). Conclusions: Although isotretinoin is known to be a safe and effective treatment method for acne vulgaris, informing patients about changes in taste functions before starting the medication and during follow-up visits could make a significant difference in their quality of life.