Evaluation of Anthralin in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

November 1987 in “ Archives of dermatology ”

Virginia C. Fiedler‐Weiss

anthralin alopecia areata pruritus erythema scaling topical treatments

Studysummary In this study, 0.5%-1.0% anthralin cream led to a cosmetic response in 25% of patients with severe alopecia areata, despite common side effects like pruritus and erythema. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

Anthralin cream at concentrations of 0.5% to 1.0% was used to treat 68 patients with severe alopecia areata. While all patients experienced pruritus, local erythema, and scaling, the treatment was relatively well tolerated. A cosmetic response was observed in 17 patients (25%), with 12 of these 17 maintaining the response during therapy. For those treated with 0.5% anthralin, the mean time to initial response was 11 weeks, and the mean time to cosmetic response was 23 weeks. The duration of the current episode of hair loss did not correlate with the cosmetic response. Compared to other topical treatments available at the time, anthralin was considered a reasonable therapeutic option for severe alopecia areata.

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6 / 6 results

research Evaluation of Oral Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

34 citations , November 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that oral minoxidil showed limited cosmetic effectiveness in treating severe alopecia areata, with only 18% of patients experiencing a noticeable response.

research Potential Mechanisms of Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata

26 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that topical minoxidil may aid hair regrowth in alopecia areata through synergistic effects on follicular epithelium and lymphocyte-mediated immunological responses, alongside its vasodilatory properties.

research Topical Minoxidil Solution (1% and 5%) in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Topical Minoxidil Dose-Response Effect in Alopecia Areata

54 citations , February 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil solution led to greater hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata patients compared to 1% minoxidil, although most regrowth was not cosmetically acceptable.

research Alopecia Areata Treated With Topical Minoxidil

78 citations , April 1984 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that 1% minoxidil topical solution led to terminal hair regrowth in some patients with alopecia areata, though it was only cosmetically acceptable in less than half of those cases.

research Topical Treatment of Alopecia Areata

50 citations , July 1981 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that applying dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), a contact allergen, led to hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, while croton oil did not have the same effect.