Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis

October 1978 in “ Archives of dermatology ”

Walter Unger, Robert J. Schemmer

corticosteroids topical corticosteroids intralesional corticosteroids oral prednisone Alopecia Totalis Alopecia Universalis hair regrowth scalp hair regrowth cataract increased intraocular pressure topical steroids intralesional steroids oral steroids

Studysummary This study found that combined topical, intralesional, and oral corticosteroids led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with alopecia totalis or universalis, allowing eventual cessation of oral corticosteroids in several cases. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In a 1978 study, 15 patients with Alopecia Totalis (AT) or Alopecia Universalis (AU) were treated with a combination of corticosteroids, including topical, intralesional, and oral prednisone. Seven patients achieved full scalp hair regrowth and maintained it for an average of 32 months after stopping oral corticosteroids. Two additional patients were on a low maintenance dose. The study indicated that oral corticosteroids could be effective for AT and AU at doses that did not cause serious side effects, and that rapid recurrence of hair loss was not common after ceasing treatment. Side effects were mostly minor, although one patient developed a cataract and another had increased intraocular pressure. The authors recommended a trial of corticosteroids for motivated patients, using lower doses and rapid tapering, along with topical and intralesional treatments for resistant areas.

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Research cited in this study

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research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Steroid Solution

30 citations , December 1972 in “Archives of dermatology”

This report examines efforts to enhance the efficacy of topical steroids for alopecia areata using penetration-enhancing vehicles and exceptionally high concentrations, noting systemic steroids often lead to relapses and toxicity.

research Triamcinolone Acetonide Intramuscularly: Effective Long-Acting Steroid Therapy in Dermatologic Disorders

10 citations , April 1964 in “Journal of the American Geriatrics Society”

This article reviews triamcinolone acetonide as an intramuscular long-acting steroid therapy for dermatologic disorders but reports no new clinical results.