Combination Treatment With Methotrexate for Severe Alopecia Areata

November 2024 in “ Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society ”

Joanne Abigail Rellera Pamin, Ma. Franchesca S. Quinio-Calayag, Amélia Spínola Santos

methotrexate corticosteroids alopecia areata Severity of Alopecia Tool

Studysummary In this case report, significant hair regrowth was achieved in a young Filipino woman with severe diffuse alopecia areata using a combination of corticosteroids and methotrexate, highlighting the value of traditional therapies in regions with limited access to newer treatments.

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A 20-year-old female with severe alopecia areata was treated with a combination of high-dose prednisone, methotrexate, topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, zinc, and Vitamin D, resulting in significant hair regrowth over 6 months and a reduction in the SALT score from 92% to 0.10%. Despite side effects such as steroidal acne and elevated liver enzymes, tapering prednisone while continuing methotrexate led to substantial improvement. The study underscores the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this combination therapy compared to newer JAK inhibitors, highlighting its accessibility and sustainability for severe AA treatment.

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