Clinical Response to Combined Therapy of Cyclosporine and Prednisone

A 13-year-old female with severe alopecia areata, multiple autoimmune diseases, and Down syndrome showed poor response to topical treatments but some improvement with glucocorticoid injections. She had 85-90% scalp hair loss and was treated with oral prednisone and cyclosporine. Over 3 months, she experienced excellent hair regrowth and improved well-being. Prednisone was tapered and discontinued. Several months post-treatment, she developed hyperpigmentation consistent with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, likely unrelated to her previous therapy. The case highlighted the potential effectiveness of combined cyclosporine and prednisone therapy for late-stage alopecia areata.