Alopecia Areata: Part 2: Treatment

September 2015 in “ PubMed ”

Frank C. Spano, Jeff Donovan

alopecia areata intralesional triamcinolone topical steroids minoxidil oral immunosuppressants topical diphenylcyclopropenone anthralin prostaglandin analogues hair prostheses AA Rogaine

TLDR Alopecia areata can be managed with various treatments, and severe cases should be referred to dermatologists.

The document reviewed treatments for alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune hair loss condition, emphasizing individualized care due to varied patient responses. First-line treatments included intralesional triamcinolone, topical steroids, and minoxidil, with more advanced cases requiring oral immunosuppressants or topical agents like DPCP. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) showed promise, especially for scalp AA, while prostaglandin analogues had mixed results for eyelash AA. Psychological impacts were significant, necessitating monitoring for anxiety and depression. The document concluded with a case study of a young man achieving significant hair regrowth with DPCP therapy and triamcinolone injections.

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Research cited in this study

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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

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research A Review of Scalp Camouflaging Agents and Prostheses for Individuals with Hair Loss

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research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyebrow Alopecia Areata

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Betamethasone valerate foam is more effective and safe for treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata than betamethasone dipropionate lotion.

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146 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

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