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