Synergistic Therapeutic Effect of Systemic Steroids and Dithranol in a Patient with Alopecia Totalis: A Case Report

    January 2026
    R. Dhurat, Richa Sharma
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    TLDR Combining systemic steroids and dithranol can effectively regrow hair in severe alopecia areata.
    This case report describes a 12-year-old boy with alopecia totalis who experienced hair regrowth after being treated with a combination of systemic steroids and dithranol. Despite concerns that steroids might reduce dithranol's effectiveness, the patient showed hair regrowth on the side of the scalp where dithranol was applied alongside systemic steroids. This suggests a synergistic effect, as both treatments inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination therapy reduced irritation, improved compliance, and enhanced hair regrowth, indicating it could be an effective treatment for severe alopecia areata with minimal side effects.
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