Clinical Effectiveness of Two Old Immunosuppressant Drugs, Methotrexate and Azathioprine, in the Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris: A Randomized Clinical Trial

    January 2024 in “ Dermatologic Therapy
    Mina Saber, Parisa Hajheidari, Farahnaz Fatemi Naeini, Fatemeh Mohaghegh
    TLDR Methotrexate and azathioprine are equally effective and well-tolerated for treating lichen planopilaris.
    This randomized clinical trial involving 32 patients assessed the effectiveness of methotrexate (MTX) and azathioprine (AZT) in treating lichen planopilaris (LPP), a form of scarring alopecia. Both drugs were effective, with MTX showing a slightly better clinical response. Over 6 months, both treatments led to significant improvements in the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI) and perifollicular scaling, with no serious adverse effects reported. The study concluded that MTX and AZT are viable treatment options for LPP, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent hair loss. However, it noted limitations such as the small sample size and short follow-up, recommending further research.
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