Evaluation of the efficacy of topical metformin 10% and 20% versus topical potent steroid in the treatment of patients with alopecia areata

This study compared the effectiveness of topical metformin (10% and 20%) to a potent steroid (clobetasol propionate 0.05%) in treating alopecia areata in 60 patients over three months. Both metformin concentrations showed significant improvement in SALT scores, with new hair regrowth in 60% and 65% of patients for 10% and 20% concentrations, respectively. The steroid treatment resulted in new hair regrowth in 85% of patients. The metformin gel was well-tolerated with minimal side effects, and the study concluded that topical metformin gel is as effective and safe as topical steroids for alopecia areata treatment.