TLDR Azelaic acid and anthralin are similarly effective for treating patchy hair loss.
In a 2005 pilot study involving 31 subjects with patchy alopecia areata, 20% azelaic acid and 0.5% anthralin were compared to assess their effectiveness in promoting hair regrowth. Subjects were randomly assigned to apply one of the two treatments for 12 weeks and were then observed for an additional 8 weeks without treatment. At week 20, 53.3% of the azelaic acid group and 56.2% of the anthralin group exhibited complete hair regrowth, with no significant difference in efficacy between the two treatments. The study reported no serious adverse events and suggested that azelaic acid could be an effective treatment for patchy alopecia areata, comparable to anthralin, but emphasized the need for larger trials to confirm these findings.
182 citations,
October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The 2003 guidelines suggest that while some treatments can regrow hair in alopecia areata, none alter the disease's progression, and wigs may be the best option for extensive hair loss.
49 citations,
January 2003 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Effective management of children's hair loss involves accurate diagnosis, various treatments, and supportive care.
109 citations,
November 1987 in “Archives of dermatology” Anthralin cream helped 25% of patients with severe alopecia areata regrow hair, but caused skin irritation.
1 citations,
January 2015 in “Springer eBooks” The document says a skin condition called alopecia areata causes hair loss and stress, and is treated with strong skin creams, injections, or other therapies, but treatment success varies.
71 citations,
March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery” Alopecia areata can cause unpredictable hair loss, and treatments like corticosteroids and minoxidil may help but have varying side effects.
27 citations,
January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Azelaic acid and anthralin are similarly effective for treating patchy hair loss.
