TLDR Clobetasol and pimecrolimus are similarly effective for alopecia areata, but pimecrolimus has fewer side effects and is preferred for long-term use.
The study, conducted from December 2006 to July 2008 with 100 patients, compared the efficacy and tolerability of clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream and pimecrolimus 1% cream in treating alopecia areata. Results showed that after 12 weeks, 47% of patients using clobetasol propionate and 53.73% of patients using pimecrolimus achieved an acceptable recovery rate, with no significant difference in long-term effectiveness between the two treatments. However, pimecrolimus was associated with fewer side effects and was preferred for its cosmetic outcomes. The study suggests pimecrolimus as a safer option for long-term use and potentially more effective for active alopecic plaques, while clobetasol propionate may act faster but with more side effects.
244 citations,
January 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” The document says current treatments for alopecia areata do not cure or prevent it, and it's hard to judge their effectiveness due to spontaneous remission and lack of studies.
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.
26 citations,
March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.
114 citations,
October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” The new clobetasol propionate foam is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.
20 citations,
March 2006 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Minoxidil and finasteride can help with hair loss, but more research is needed to improve treatments for certain types of hair loss.
66 citations,
July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Betamethasone valerate foam is more effective and safe for treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata than betamethasone dipropionate lotion.
30 citations,
December 1972 in “Archives of dermatology” The steroid solution can regrow hair but often causes skin issues and doesn't work long-term.
26 citations,
March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology” Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.
