Efficacy of Methotrexate Alone or With Low-Dose Prednisone in Alopecia Areata Totalis

This study evaluated the efficacy of methotrexate alone versus methotrexate combined with low-dose prednisone in treating alopecia areata totalis. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial with 100 patients, the study divided participants into two groups: Group A (methotrexate alone) and Group B (methotrexate with low-dose prednisone). Results showed that 60% of patients in Group A and 80% in Group B achieved hair regrowth, with the combination therapy group experiencing faster regrowth. Adverse events were minimal and similar across both groups. The findings suggest that while both treatments are effective, the combination therapy is superior in promoting hair regrowth and reducing the time to regrowth. Further research with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm these results and determine the optimal dosing and long-term safety of the combination therapy.