Comparison of Treatment with Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% and Topical Pimecrolimus 1% in Alopecia Areata

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.