Season 8, Episode 4: Unveiling the Risks: Steroid Injections and Vision Complications in Hair Loss Treatment

Welcome to the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, hosted by dermatologist and hair loss specialist, Dr. Jeff Donovan. In this episode, we delve into a crucial study exploring the unexpected side effects of steroid injections used in treating alopecia areata, particularly focusing on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This condition, characterized by fluid accumulation beneath the retina, can lead to vision problems and retinal detachment. Dr. Donovan reviews a compelling paper published in JAAD Case Reports, highlighting two cases where patients developed CSC after receiving steroid injections for hair loss. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing blurry vision as a potential warning sign and the need for immediate consultation with an eye specialist. Join us as we discuss the implications of this study for hair loss specialists and the necessity of ongoing research to better understand the risks associated with long-term steroid use. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where we'll explore the role of tirzepatide in androgenetic hair loss treatment.   STUDIES REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE Deesha Desai, Ambika Nohria, Lina Alhanshali, Michael Buontempo, Kristen I Lo Sicco, Craig Fern, Jerry Shapiro. Central serous chorioretinopathy after scalp and eyebrow intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections: Report of two cases. JAAD Case Rep . 2024 Jul 14:51:86-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2024.06.034. eCollection 2024 Sep.