Alopecia Areata: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

July 2014 in “ American journal of clinical dermatology ”

Maria Hordinsky, Aline Donati

alopecia areata corticosteroids minoxidil prostaglandin analogs topical corticosteroids oral corticosteroids sensitizing agents DNCB DPCP inosiplex TGPC photodynamic therapy bexarotene Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This review analyzed randomized controlled trials on alopecia areata treatment and found that while several treatments showed effectiveness, most studies had limitations affecting their interpretability.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on link.springer.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

29 / 29 results

research Clobetasol Propionate, 0.05%, vs Hydrocortisone, 1%, for Alopecia Areata in Children

49 citations , November 2013 in “JAMA dermatology”

This study found that topical clobetasol propionate cream was more effective than hydrocortisone cream in reducing hair loss surface area in children with patchy alopecia areata over 24 weeks, with no serious adverse effects.

research A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Total Glucosides of Paeony Capsule and Compound Glycyrrhizin Tablet for Alopecia Areata

18 citations , August 2012 in “Chinese journal of integrative medicine/Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine”

This study reported that total glucosides of paeony capsules were as effective and safe as compound glycyrrhizin tablets for treating mild to moderate alopecia areata.

research Comparison of Treatment with Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% and Topical Pimecrolimus 1% in Alopecia Areata

13 citations , July 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study found that topical pimecrolimus is as effective as clobetasol propionate for treating alopecia areata, with better tolerability in terms of side effects.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata: What Is New on the Horizon?

25 citations , May 2011 in “Dermatologic therapy”

This review discusses potential new drug treatment strategies for alopecia areata based on genome-wide association study findings, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyelash Alopecia in Alopecia Areata Universalis

50 citations , December 2009 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that latanoprost may be effective for treating eyelash alopecia areata, achieving cosmetically acceptable regrowth in 45% of patients.

research Alefacept for Severe Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

43 citations , November 2009 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study found that alefacept showed no significant improvement in treating severe alopecia areata compared to placebo over a 24-week period.

research Phase I/II Randomized Bilateral Half-Head Comparison of Topical Bexarotene 1% Gel for Alopecia Areata

44 citations , October 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reported that 1% bexarotene gel was well tolerated and possibly effective for inducing partial hair regrowth in alopecia areata, but more rigorous trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

55 citations , March 2009 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that latanoprost and bimatoprost, when applied cutaneously to the eyelids, did not induce appreciable eyelash regrowth in patients with alopecia areata over 16 weeks.

research Alopecia Areata Following Adalimumab

38 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This case report highlights a woman who developed new-onset alopecia areata after starting adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis, challenging the assumed role of TNF-alpha in the condition's pathogenesis.

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

164 citations , April 2008 in “Cochrane library”

This review of interventions for alopecia areata found no significant treatment benefits for hair growth compared to placebo, indicating a need for larger, well-conducted studies.

research Combination of Topical Garlic Gel and Betamethasone Valerate Cream in the Treatment of Localized Alopecia Areata: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

61 citations , January 2007 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that garlic gel significantly improved the efficacy of topical betamethasone valerate in treating alopecia areata compared to placebo.

research Efficacy And Safety Of A New Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Foam In Alopecia Areata: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

114 citations , October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate foam demonstrated effectiveness and good patient compliance as a safe topical treatment for moderate to severe alopecia areata, with significant hair regrowth compared to placebo.

research A Comparison of the Efficacy, Relapse Rate, and Side Effects Among Three Modalities of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia Areata

97 citations , January 2006 in “Dermatology”

This study found that intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide or pulse therapy effectively treats alopecia areata with manageable side effects, but further strategies are needed to reduce relapse rates.

research Alefacept for Alopecia Areata

33 citations , December 2005 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study presents case reports of four patients with alopecia areata or alopecia universalis, highlighting varied responses to treatments like prednisone, intralesional triamcinolone, and squaric acid dibutyl ester.

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

36 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential of latanoprost for treating alopecia areata, but notes that well-controlled studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Recurrence of Alopecia Areata in a Patient Receiving Etanercept Injections

75 citations , June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology”

In this case report, a patient experienced a recurrence of alopecia areata while undergoing etanercept treatment, suggesting the drug may not effectively prevent this condition's return.

research Influence of Prostaglandin F2α and Its Analogues on Hair Regrowth and Follicular Melanogenesis in a Murine Model

103 citations , April 2005 in “Experimental dermatology”

This study found that PGF2alpha analogues and PGE2 stimulated hair follicle activity in mice, with PGF2alpha analogues also linked to potential side effects like poliosis when used as eye treatments.

research Placebo-Controlled Oral Pulse Prednisolone Therapy in Alopecia Areata

141 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.

research Comparison of Azelaic Acid and Anthralin for the Therapy of Patchy Alopecia Areata

27 citations , January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This pilot study found that azelaic acid treatment for patchy alopecia areata had similar hair regrowth results as anthralin, suggesting it may be an effective topical therapy.

Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

research Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

66 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that betamethasone valerate foam was more effective and well-tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate lotion in treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, with higher hair regrowth rates observed.

research Pseudo Alopecia Areata Caused by Skull-Caps with Metal Pin Fasteners Used by Orthodox Jews in Israel

8 citations , January 2003 in “Journal of Immunology Research”

In this study, replacing the original pin with a different one on a larger cupola improved pseudo alopecia areata lesions in 58.8% of patients.

research Hypertrichosis Induced by Latanoprost

39 citations , April 2001 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the side effects of topical latanoprost therapy, particularly the hypertrichosis and pigmentation changes of eyelashes and nearby skin, and reports no new clinical results.

research A Randomized Trial of Minoxidil in Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

127 citations , July 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that in women undergoing chemotherapy after breast surgery, topical minoxidil significantly shortened the duration of hair loss compared to a placebo without significant side effects.

Treatment of Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata with Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% Minoxidil: A Clinical and Immunopathologic Evaluation

research Treatment of Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata with Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% Minoxidil: A Clinical and Immunopathologic Evaluation

41 citations , November 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that DPCP treatment led to cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth in 38% of patients with chronic severe alopecia areata, while adding 5% minoxidil showed no significant clinical benefit.

Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

research Topical Treatment of Alopecia Areata

50 citations , July 1981 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that applying dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), a contact allergen, led to hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, while croton oil did not have the same effect.