TLDR High dose methylprednisolone effectively stops hair loss and promotes regrowth in acute diffuse alopecia areata.
The study reviewed medical records of 13 patients with acute diffuse alopecia areata treated with high dose methylprednisolone therapy. The patient group consisted of 8 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 29.6 years. The treatment halted hair loss on average within 2.4 weeks and new hair growth was observed on average after 4.1 weeks. Terminal hair growth was seen in 84.6% of patients, and 46.2% completely responded to the therapy. The study concluded that high dose methylprednisolone therapy was effective in preventing disease progression in patients with rapidly progressing acute diffuse alopecia areata.
4 citations
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January 2022 in “Drug design, development and therapy” Intramuscular corticosteroids are effective and safe for severe alopecia areata, with most patients regrowing hair, but nearly half may relapse.
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December 2011 in “The Journal of Dermatology” New treatments for severe hair loss often fail, but some patients see hair regrowth with specific therapies, and treatment should be tailored to the individual's situation.
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July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology” New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” The document concludes that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease without a definitive cure, but treatments like corticosteroids are commonly used.
March 2022 in “Nepal Journal of Dermatology Venereology & Leprology” Methotrexate with steroids is slightly more effective than azathioprine with steroids for treating severe alopecia areata.