A Comparative Study of Oral Cyclosporine and Betamethasone Minipulse Therapy in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

January 2016 in “ Annals of dermatology/Annals of Dermatology ”

Yong Hyun Jang, Sang Lim Kim, Kyou Chae Lee, Min Ji Kim, Kyung Hea Park, Weon Ju Lee, Seok Jong Lee, Do Won Kim

TLDR Oral cyclosporine is more effective and safer than betamethasone for treating alopecia areata.

The study compared oral cyclosporine and betamethasone minipulse therapy for treating alopecia areata in 60 patients, divided into two groups of 30. Both treatments were effective, but betamethasone minipulse therapy had a slightly higher rate of hair regrowth and fewer side effects. The study concluded that betamethasone minipulse therapy might be preferred due to its higher efficacy and lower incidence of side effects.

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research Extensive Alopecia Areata: Not Necessarily Recalcitrant to Therapy

14 citations , January 2011 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Some people with severe, long-lasting baldness responded well to a specific combination treatment.

research The Use of Cyclosporine in Dermatology: Part I

131 citations , December 2010 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Cyclosporine is effective for skin conditions but has declined in use due to toxicity concerns.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , February 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

research Alopecia Areata Update

244 citations , February 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.