Treatment Response to Diphenylcyclopropenone in Patients with Alopecia Totalis/Universalis

July 2023 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Smitha Ancy Varghese, Sandhya Somasekharan Nair, Anuja Elizabeth George, Induprabha Yadev

diphenylcyclopropenone alopecia totalis alopecia universalis alopecia areata hair regrowth local reactions pigmentation DPCP AT AU

Studysummary This study found that treatment with diphenylcyclopropenone led to more than 75% hair regrowth in 33.3% of patients with alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis, despite notable side effects.

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This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) in 18 patients with Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis. After 6 months, 33.3% of patients had more than 75% hair regrowth, and 61.1% showed partial regrowth. A "castling phenomenon" was observed, with 63.6% of AU patients experiencing body hair regrowth. Side effects were common but manageable, affecting 55.5% of patients. The study concluded that DPCP is a promising treatment for AT/AU, although the small sample size limits its broader applicability.

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Research cited in this study

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research Review of Treatment for Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis

44 citations , April 2017 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study reviewed treatment options for alopecia areata totalis and universalis, finding no completely effective therapy. Promising treatments with quality data include diphenylcyclopropenone, squaric acid dibutylester, and photodynamic therapy, but larger, high-quality trials are needed.

research Clinical Efficacy of Diphenylcyclopropenone in Alopecia Areata: Retrospective Data Analysis of 50 Patients

41 citations , November 2015 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

This study found that diphenylcyclopropenone therapy resulted in over 50% hair regrowth in 71% of alopecia totalis patients, with a significant relapse association with thyroid disease, suggesting treatment could be viable but should continue for at least two years.

research Topical Immunotherapy in Alopecia Areata

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This review examines topical immunotherapy for severe alopecia areata, noting that diphencyprone and squaric acid dibutylester are non-mutagenic options with similar efficacy but different practical considerations, and reports no new clinical results.

research Five-Year Experience in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Diphencyprone

37 citations , September 2009 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that diphencyprone is an effective and safe treatment for extensive alopecia areata, especially with long-term therapy and maintenance to reduce relapse risk.

research Topical Immunomodulators in Dermatology

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This review discusses the use, mechanism, and side effects of topical immunomodulators in treating immune-mediated skin disorders and reports no new clinical results, urging further research on experimental agents.