Hypertrichosis in patients receiving cyclosporine therapy

Hypertrichosis is a cosmetically undesirable side-effect of cyclosporine therapy. A study of 56 insulin-dependent diabetics on long-term cyclosporine therapy indicated that unequivocal hypertrichosis occurred in 94.6% of the patients. Occasionally, patients exhibited marked hypertrichosis and some experienced adverse social problems resulting from this side-effect. The cessation of cyclosporine therapy resulted in a progressive resolution of the induced hypertrichosis. Educating the patient, prior to therapy, about the likely occurrence of this side-effect is therefore an important aspect in the overall care of the cyclosporine treated patient.