Interventions for Alopecia Areata
February 2009
in “
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
”
TLDR No treatment showed significant long-term hair growth benefits for alopecia areata.
The review examined 17 randomized controlled trials with 540 participants to evaluate treatments for alopecia areata, including topical and oral steroids, topical ciclosporin, photodynamic therapy, and topical minoxidil. The trials were small and poorly reported, showing no significant long-term hair growth benefits over placebo. The review highlighted the need for larger, well-designed studies with control groups, focusing on safe, sustainable treatments and including patient satisfaction and quality of life measures. It also suggested testing supportive therapies like wigs against pharmaceutical interventions.