Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Squaric Acid Dibutylester

The document reviewed the use of squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) as a treatment for alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition causing nonscarring hair loss. SADBE, a topical sensitizer, was found to be effective in stimulating hair regrowth in AA patients, with success rates ranging from 29% to 87%. Despite the lack of randomized controlled trials, observational studies indicated a response rate of approximately 50% to 60%. Adverse effects included eczema, blistering, and lymph node swelling. Prognostic factors such as disease duration and extent of alopecia could predict treatment responsiveness. The document concluded that SADBE was a safe and effective treatment, though further controlled studies were needed.