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

July 2003 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Antonella Tosti, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Massimiliano Pazzaglia, Colombina Vincenzi

clobetasol propionate alopecia totalis alopecia universalis hair regrowth occlusion local side effects systemic side effects AT AU

Studysummary In this study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was found to induce hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with severe alopecia areata under occlusive conditions, though long-term benefit was limited to 17.8%.

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In a 2003 study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was tested for its effectiveness in treating alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) in 28 patients. The treatment involved applying the ointment under occlusion to one side of the scalp for six months. Results showed that 8 patients (28.5%) experienced hair regrowth, with the onset of regrowth starting between 6 to 14 weeks after beginning the treatment. However, 3 of these patients later relapsed. Local side effects were reported in 11 patients, but no systemic side effects were noted. The study concluded that clobetasol propionate under occlusion can induce hair regrowth in AT or AT/AU patients, with a long-term benefit in 17.8% of the cases.