Bimatoprost Versus Clobetasol Propionate in Scalp Alopecia Areata: A Prospective Non-Randomized Open-Label Clinical Trial

January 2023 in “ Indian Dermatology Online Journal ”

Mohan Bhusal, Shristi Bhattarai, Binita Thapa, PrashannaR Shrestha, G. E. C. H. Vidya Sagar

bimatoprost clobetasol propionate topical steroid alopecia areata hair regrowth pigmented hairs Latisse Clobex AA

TLDR Bimatoprost and clobetasol are both effective for scalp hair loss, but bimatoprost works faster, has fewer side effects, and grows more colored hair.

The non-randomized comparative clinical trial involved 50 patients and compared the efficacy and safety of topical bimatoprost 0.01% solution with the standard treatment topical steroid (clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream) in treating scalp alopecia areata (AA). After 12 weeks, both treatments showed no significant difference in hair regrowth. However, bimatoprost had fewer side effects, a more rapid response, and resulted in the growth of more pigmented hairs. Therefore, while both treatments are effective, bimatoprost may have certain advantages over clobetasol in treating AA.

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Research cited in this study

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research Management of Alopecia Areata: Updates and Algorithmic Approach

47 citations , June 2017 in “Journal of dermatology”

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research Successful Treatment of Pediatric Alopecia Areata of the Scalp Using Topical Bimatoprost

14 citations , July 2016 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

A 9-year-old girl with alopecia areata had successful hair regrowth using bimatoprost after other treatments failed.

research An Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Bimatoprost for Eyelash Growth in Pediatric Subjects

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Bimatoprost is safe and improves eyelash growth in healthy kids but not in those with eyelash loss from chemotherapy or alopecia.

research Bimatoprost Versus Mometasone Furoate in the Treatment of Scalp Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study

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Bimatoprost was found to be safer and more effective than mometasone furoate for treating scalp hair loss.

research The Prostamide-Related Glaucoma Therapy, Bimatoprost, Offers a Novel Approach for Treating Scalp Alopecias

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Bimatoprost, a glaucoma medication, may also help treat hair loss.

research A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Various Topical Treatment Modalities for Alopecia Areata

20 citations , January 2012 in “International journal of trichology”

Steroids are the best treatment for Alopecia Areata with few side effects.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Latanoprost 0.1% may effectively treat hair loss.

Randomized Comparison of Topical Betamethasone Valerate Foam, Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide, and Tacrolimus Ointment in Management of Localized Alopecia Areata

research Randomized Comparison of Topical Betamethasone Valerate Foam, Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide, and Tacrolimus Ointment in Management of Localized Alopecia Areata

48 citations , January 2011 in “International journal of trichology”

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is the most effective treatment for localized alopecia areata.

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”

Topical latanoprost and bimatoprost eye solutions don't help eyelash growth in people with alopecia areata.

research Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Under Occlusion in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis/Universalis

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

Clobetasol propionate ointment can help some people with total hair loss regrow hair.

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