Hand Eczema — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardDermatopharmacologyHand EczemaSCE Dermatology

A 37-year-old woman with severe recalcitrant hand and foot eczema has been on Alitretinoin 30 mg daily for 16 weeks with good response. She now wishes to conceive. What is the minimum recommended washout period after stopping Alitretinoin before conception?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — 1 month

Alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid) is teratogenic but has a relatively short half-life compared to Acitretin. The recommended washout period before conception is 1 month after stopping treatment. This is significantly shorter than Acitretin which requires 3 years (in women) due to its conversion to etretinate, which has a very long half-life and is stored in adipose tissue. A negative pregnancy test within 2 weeks before starting and monthly during treatment is required. Two effective forms of contraception are mandated during treatment and for 1 month after.

Reference: NICE TA177 2009 Alitretinoin; BNF SmPC