Alternate Treatment of Alopecia Areata with the Use of Calcipotriol: A Prospective Study in Children Versus Adults

The user has been using oral finasteride for 15 months and oral minoxidil for 6 months, and developed alopecia areata, for which a dermatologist prescribed calcipotriol/betamethasone. The treatment is helping, but the user is experiencing another shedding phase and is concerned about the effects of the steroid cream and the cause of hair loss.

Topical tacrolimus is being considered for androgenetic alopecia, though its effectiveness is unproven. Other treatments mentioned include minoxidil, dutasteride, cyclosporine, and teicoplanin, with discussions on blocking the prolactin receptor for hair growth.

PP405 is a promising experimental topical treatment for alopecia that reactivates dormant hair follicles by targeting cellular energy, with large-scale trials planned for 2026. While it shows potential, it cannot regenerate permanently destroyed follicles, making hair transplants the only guaranteed solution for advanced baldness currently.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and receded hairline, using dutasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole without regrowth, and was prescribed clobetasol propionate 0.05% with salicylic acid for possible inflammation. Other users caution against using the strong steroid without a serious condition, sharing experiences of adverse effects and alternative treatments for scalp issues.

Baricitinib, approved for alopecia areata, might be considered for treating receding hairlines. The discussion is about the possibility of an over-the-counter topical version for androgenic alopecia.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.