The Efficacy of Intermittent Low-Dose Systemic Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

January 2004

Ahu Bırol, Emel Erkek, Fatma Tunçez, Gülcan Saylam Kurtipek, Yeter Bağci, Mukadder Koçak

alopecia areata systemic corticosteroids prednisolone alopecia totalis alopecia universalis

From the encyclopedia

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This study found that low-dose intermittent corticosteroid therapy may be a successful and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with alopecia areata, including those with alopecia totalis and universalis.

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The study investigated the effect of low-dose systemic corticosteroids on alopecia areata (AA) in 15 patients. Patients received systemic prednisolone 10-15 mg/day on 2 consecutive days per week for 6 months. Results showed that 7 patients (46.7%) experienced complete healing, 5 (33.3%) had a partial response, and 3 (20%) did not respond to the treatment. The study concluded that low-dose intermittent corticosteroid therapy could be a successful and well-tolerated treatment option for AA, including cases of alopecia totalis and universalis.

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Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

research Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

72 citations , January 2001 in “Drugs”

This review discusses current and emerging drug therapies for treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, and reports no clinical results; it highlights a need for improved and novel treatments.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnosis and Management

48 citations , May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the diagnosis and management of alopecia areata but reports no new research findings.

research Severe Alopecia Areata Treated With Systemic Corticosteroids

30 citations , August 1998 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that systemic corticosteroids led to satisfactory hair regrowth in 38.9% of severe alopecia areata patients, but hair fall occurred upon therapy discontinuation or tapering.