Intralesional Steroids for Alopecia Areata

Intralesional corticosteroids (ILCs), particularly triamcinolone acetonide, were commonly used for treating alopecia areata (AA), especially in cases with less than 50% scalp involvement. The treatment aimed to suppress the immune attack on hair follicles, showing variable efficacy depending on patient characteristics. Studies indicated hair regrowth in a significant proportion of patients, though no randomized controlled trials were available. Adverse effects included pain, skin atrophy, and potential systemic absorption issues. Treatment was recommended to be discontinued if no improvement was observed after six months. Despite limitations, ILCs remained a preferred treatment for patchy, stable AA.