Successful Management of Treatment-Resistant Alopecia Areata with Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Case Series

June 2019 in “ Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology/Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venerology ”

Sanjeewani Fonseka, Y.M.D.M Bandara, Brabaharan Subhani

alopecia areata platelet rich plasma PRP intra-dermal injections autologous platelet rich plasma AA

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Studysummary This study reported remarkable improvement in three patients with treatment-resistant alopecia areata after receiving autologous platelet-rich plasma injections, suggesting the potential for this approach and a need for further randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This case series documented the treatment of three patients with treatment-resistant alopecia areata (AA) using intra-dermal injections of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) every four weeks. All three patients exhibited significant improvement after multiple PRP sessions. The study concluded that autologous PRP is a safe and effective treatment for refractory AA and recommended further investigation through randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

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Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Effective in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata?

1 citations , September 2015 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This article questions the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma for treating alopecia areata and presents no new clinical results.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Potential Treatment for Noncicatricial Alopecias

58 citations , January 2015 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma for treating non-cicatricial alopecias and suggests it may be effective, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

research Emerging Treatments in Alopecia

47 citations , October 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs”

This review discusses emerging treatments and mechanisms for alopecia, highlighting potential therapies like janus kinase inhibitors and advances in stem-cell technology, but reports no new experimental results.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology: Boon or Bane?

119 citations , January 2014 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

This review discusses the use of platelet-rich plasma in various dermatological applications and reports no new clinical results; the authors call for more rigorous trials to confirm its effectiveness.

research Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Potential Therapeutic Tool for Promoting Hair Growth

270 citations , March 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that autologous platelet-rich plasma increased hair growth potential by enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation and stimulating key signaling pathways in both cell cultures and mice models.

research The Role of Platelet Plasma Growth Factors in Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

251 citations , October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals”

In this study, platelet plasma growth factors from patients' autologous plasma improved follicular unit yield in baldness surgery by 15.1% compared to control areas.