A Comparative Study of the Outcomes of Potent Topical Steroids Versus Topical Tretinoin in Patchy Alopecia Areata of the Scalp

December 2019 in “ International Journal of Research in Dermatology ”

Asma Hussain

betamethasone dipropionate tretinoin alopecia areata topical steroids BMD Retin-A

TLDR Strong steroid cream works better than tretinoin cream for patchy scalp hair loss.

In a study conducted in 2019, 50 patients with localized alopecia areata of the scalp were treated with either 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate (BMD) cream or 0.05% tretinoin cream for 12 weeks. The results showed that 72% of patients treated with BMD showed significant clinical improvement, compared to 36% of patients treated with tretinoin. The study concluded that while 0.05% BMD is the most effective and economical topical treatment for less extensive forms of alopecia areata, topical 0.05% tretinoin also provides a fairly good response. However, further studies with tretinoin were recommended to establish its role in limited alopecia areata.

View this study on ijord.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 22 results

community Dermatologist prescribed Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion for hair loss.

in Product 8 upvotes 1 year ago

A user noticed increased hair loss and was prescribed Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion by a dermatologist. Another user suggested changing doctors and asking for finasteride instead.

community Can I use topical steroid along finasteride to reduce scalp inflammation and hairloss?

in Finasteride 6 upvotes 5 years ago

The user asks if finasteride can be used with the topical steroid betamethasone dipropionate to reduce hair loss and scalp inflammation. The discussion revolves around combining these treatments for better results.

community Is it okay to simultaneously use Min and Betamethasone?

in Minoxidil 1 year ago

A user with seborrheic dermatitis uses Ketoconazole 2% and Betamethasone and is considering starting Minoxidil for thinning hair. They are concerned about using Minoxidil and Betamethasone simultaneously.

community Can valisone solution cause hairloss?

in Question 1 upvotes 6 years ago

A user is concerned that prolonged use of valisone (betamethasone) and clotrimazole solution for scalp dermatitis may be causing hair thinning and loss. They noticed thinning in the area where the solution was applied.

community a topical that combines MIN, FIN and DUT

in Minoxidil 5 upvotes 2 years ago

A user discusses a topical treatment combining Minoxidil, Betamethasone Valerate, Canrenone, Finasteride, and Dutasteride for hair loss. The treatment is RX-only and provided by a dermatologist.

community Feeling pretty hopeless... Dry skin and eczema causing my alopecia.

in Chat 12 upvotes 9 months ago

The user has been using dutasteride, lymecycline, betamethasone, and minoxidil for hair loss but struggles with eczema and dry skin. They feel hopeless as no treatments or moisturizers have helped, and they are concerned about their appearance due to their soft facial features.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.