Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Methotrexate 1% Gel Versus Topical Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.05% Lotion in the Treatment of Localized Scalp Alopecia Areata in a Tertiary Care Institute of Central India: A Randomized Control Trial

This randomized control trial involving 70 patients compared the efficacy of topical methotrexate 1% gel and topical betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion for treating localized scalp alopecia areata. Both treatments were equally effective in promoting hair regrowth after 12 weeks, with no statistically significant difference between them. However, betamethasone lotion resulted in fewer side effects, while methotrexate gel was associated with more cases of irritant dermatitis. Despite the higher incidence of mild side effects, methotrexate gel is suggested as a viable alternative treatment option for localized alopecia areata.