Comparison of Various Treatment Modalities in Patients with Alopecia Areata

The study compared the efficacy of four treatment modalities for alopecia areata in 100 patients over one year. Patients were divided into four groups of 25, receiving intralesional steroids, cryotherapy, topical phenol, or spot phototherapy (NBUVB). Results showed that intralesional steroids were the most effective, with 88% of patients experiencing cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth, followed by cryotherapy (76%), phenol (52%), and phototherapy (36%). Nail changes, particularly pitting, were observed in 34% of patients. The study concluded that intralesional steroids were the most effective treatment, but all modalities could be considered, with further evaluation needed for NBUVB.