Clobetasol Propionate, 0.05%, vs Hydrocortisone, 1%, for Alopecia Areata in Children
January 2014
in “JAMA dermatology”
TLDR Clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, is more effective and safe for treating childhood alopecia areata than hydrocortisone, 1%.
This study compared the efficacy and safety of clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, versus hydrocortisone, 1%, in treating alopecia areata in children. Conducted over 24 weeks with 42 participants aged 2 to 16, the trial found that clobetasol significantly reduced the scalp surface area with hair loss compared to hydrocortisone, except at the 6-week mark. One patient experienced temporary skin atrophy. No differences in abnormal urinary cortisol levels were observed. The study concluded that clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, is an effective and safe first-line treatment for limited patchy childhood alopecia areata.
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