Comparative Study Between Intralesional Pentoxifylline and Steroid in Localized Alopecia Areata

This study compared the efficacy and safety of intralesional pentoxifylline (PTX) versus intralesional corticosteroids (ILCs) in treating localized alopecia areata in 30 patients. Each patient had two patches treated, one with PTX and the other with ILCs, over a 15-week period. Results showed significant improvement in hair regrowth for both treatments, with a 100% regrowth rate for ILCs and 60% for PTX, indicating a statistically significant difference favoring ILCs. Both treatments were effective, but ILCs demonstrated greater and earlier hair regrowth. Pentoxifylline is considered a potent and safe alternative to corticosteroids for alopecia areata treatment.