The Therapeutic Use of Topical Contact Sensitizers in Benign Dermatoses

July 2008 in “ British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement ”

D. A. Buckley, Anthony du Vivier

topical contact sensitizers dinitrochlorobenzene squaric acid dibutyl ester diphencyprone alopecia areata immune response DNCB SADBE DPCP

TLDR Topical contact sensitizers can treat certain skin conditions but are rarely used in the U.K.

Topical contact sensitizers like dinitrochlorobenzene, squaric acid dibutyl ester, and diphencyprone have been used since the 1960s to treat alopecia areata and viral warts by altering the immune response. This systematic review examined the different sensitizers, treatment methods, factors affecting efficacy, and potential adverse effects. Despite their use, few dermatology departments in the U.K. offered this treatment.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

132 citations , November 1998 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Topical sensitizers have mixed success in treating alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata in Korea (1982–1994)

46 citations , November 1995 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata was most common in people in their 30s and 40s, with some family history and a higher relapse rate, and larger bald areas responded better to specific immunotherapy.

research Vitiligo Complicating Diphencyprone Sensitization Therapy for Alopecia Universalis

47 citations , September 1995 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diphencyprone therapy for hair loss can cause vitiligo.

Treatment of Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata with Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% Minoxidil: A Clinical and Immunopathologic Evaluation

research Treatment of Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata with Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% Minoxidil: A Clinical and Immunopathologic Evaluation

41 citations , November 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

DPCP helps treat severe hair loss, but 5% minoxidil doesn't add benefits.

research Alopecia Areata in Children: Response to Treatment with Diphencyprone

84 citations , August 1991 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Most children treated with diphencyprone regrew some or all of their hair.

research Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis Compared in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis and Universalis: A Comparison of the Value of Topical Diphencyprone and Tretinoin Gel

36 citations , March 1989 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

DPCP is more effective than tretinoin gel for treating severe alopecia.

research Vitiligo as a Reaction to Topical Treatment with Diphencyprone

55 citations , January 1988 in “Dermatology”

Diphencyprone treatment for alopecia areata can cause vitiligo in some patients.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Squaric Acid Dibutylester

42 citations , August 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Squaric acid dibutylester led to complete hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis And Treatment

122 citations , November 1984 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

No single treatment is consistently effective for alopecia areata, and more research is needed.

research Adverse Systemic Reaction to Dinitrochlorobenzene

14 citations , June 1982 in “Archives of Dermatology”

A man had bad reactions to a hair loss treatment called DNCB.

research Topical Treatment of Alopecia Areata

50 citations , July 1981 in “Archives of Dermatology”

DNCB helps regrow hair in alopecia areata patients, but safer alternatives are needed.

Related Research

5 / 5 results

Acne Exacerbation After Tofacitinib Treatment for Alopecia Areata

research Vitiligo After Diphencyprone for Alopecia Areata

18 citations , January 2010 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

DPCP treatment for alopecia areata can sometimes cause vitiligo.

The Therapeutic Use of Topical Contact Sensitizers in Benign Dermatoses

Research cited in this study

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

research Alopecia Areata in Korea (1982–1994)

research Vitiligo Complicating Diphencyprone Sensitization Therapy for Alopecia Universalis

research Treatment of Chronic Severe Alopecia Areata with Topical Diphenylcyclopropenone and 5% Minoxidil: A Clinical and Immunopathologic Evaluation

research Alopecia Areata in Children: Response to Treatment with Diphencyprone

research Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis Compared in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis and Universalis: A Comparison of the Value of Topical Diphencyprone and Tretinoin Gel

research Vitiligo as a Reaction to Topical Treatment with Diphencyprone

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Squaric Acid Dibutylester

research Alopecia Areata: Pathogenesis And Treatment

research Adverse Systemic Reaction to Dinitrochlorobenzene

research Topical Treatment of Alopecia Areata

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research Acne Exacerbation After Tofacitinib Treatment for Alopecia Areata

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