Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Versus Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

April 2026 in “ Indian Journal of Dermatology ”

Yashika Sethi, Garima Dabas, Pravesh Yadav, Vivek Sagar, Geetika Chhabra

platelet-rich plasma triamcinolone acetonide alopecia areata intralesional therapy scalp atrophy telangiectasia PRP IT

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

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

Triamcinolone Acetonide →

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary This study concluded that platelet-rich plasma therapy was as effective as intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in treating localized alopecia areata on the scalp. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy versus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (IT) in 60 patients with alopecia areata. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing hair loss and promoting regrowth over 9 weeks, with no significant differences in outcomes. PRP was associated with more pain and bleeding, while IT led to atrophy and telangiectasia. Patient satisfaction was similar, and relapse rates were slightly lower with PRP, though not significantly. The study suggests PRP is as effective as IT, with distinct side effect profiles, but notes limitations due to the small sample size and short follow-up.

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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research A Comparative Study of Therapeutic Response to Intralesional Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

8 citations , January 2020 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

In this study, PRP injections showed comparable effectiveness to triamcinolone for alopecia areata, with a significant decrease in SALT score at one interval, and 12.5% of patients in the PRP group experienced excellent hair regrowth compared to none in the triamcinolone group.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Half-Head Study to Evaluate the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Alopecia Areata

205 citations , April 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, platelet-rich plasma significantly increased hair regrowth and reduced symptoms of alopecia areata compared to triamcinolone acetonide or placebo, with no observed side effects.