Efficacy of Superficial Cryotherapy on the Eyebrows of Patients With Alopecia Universalis Also Treated With Contact Immunotherapy on the Scalp: A Prospective, Split-Face Comparative Study

January 2017 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Sung Jay Choe, Won‐Soo Lee

superficial cryotherapy alopecia universalis diphenylcyclopropenone DPCP immunotherapy hair density hair thickness adverse events compliance efficacy cryotherapy alopecia hair growth side effects

TLDR Superficial cryotherapy significantly improves eyebrow hair growth in alopecia universalis patients.

This study evaluated the efficacy of superficial cryotherapy on the eyebrows of 20 patients with alopecia universalis who were also treated with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) immunotherapy on the scalp. Superficial cryotherapy was applied every other week to the right eyebrow, while the left eyebrow served as a control. After 5 months, hair density increased significantly in both treated and control eyebrows, with a greater increase in the SC-treated eyebrows. Hair thickness also significantly increased in the SC-treated eyebrows but not in the control eyebrows. The treatment was associated with minimal to no adverse events, high compliance, and relatively good efficacy, making it a viable option for patients with AA of the eyebrow.

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