Topical Immunotherapies

May 2023 in “ Elsevier eBooks ”

Cynthia Truong, Katharina S. Shaw, Kristen Lo Sicco, Jerry Shapiro

androgenetic alopecia follicular microinflammation topical prostaglandin analogs topical irritants topical sensitizers topical steroids intralesional steroids alopecia areata cicatricial alopecia frontal fibrosing alopecia AGA topical prostaglandins scarring alopecia

Studysummary This article discusses the use of immunomodulatory therapies for treating alopecia areata or frontal fibrosing alopecia that occur alongside androgenetic alopecia, but it reports no new results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common cause of hair loss, is believed to be influenced by follicular microinflammation. Despite this, no immune modulatory therapies have been explored for AGA alone. Topical prostaglandin analogs could potentially be used for AGA treatment. Other immune modulatory therapies, such as topical irritants and sensitizers, as well as topical and intralesional steroids, are only recommended for AGA patients who also have alopecia areata or cicatricial alopecia. The document discusses the use of these topical and intralesional immunomodulatory agents for the treatment of alopecia areata or frontal fibrosing alopecia that may occur alongside AGA.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

40 / 40 results

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review

23 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This review compiles existing data on frontal fibrosing alopecia and highlights the promise of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors as a treatment option, while noting the need for clarity on its cause and progression.

research A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Study of the Prevalence of Alopecia Areata in the United States

63 citations , March 2020 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This study suggests that the prevalence of alopecia areata in the US remains similar to high estimates from the 1970s, with significant implications for quality of life.

research A Review of the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss

53 citations , February 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”

This review discusses pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for androgenetic alopecia, noting that current medications like finasteride and minoxidil can slow hair loss but only partially restore hair growth, with early treatment offering better outcomes.

research Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

19 citations , December 2019 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at a concentration of 5 mg/mL may offer the best balance of effectiveness and safety for treating focal alopecia areata.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Efficacy of Treatment Modalities

14 citations , April 2019 in “International Journal of Women's Health”

This review highlights current treatment options for frontal fibrosing alopecia, noting that 5-α-reductase inhibitors, intralesional steroids, and hydroxychloroquine have the highest evidence of effectiveness, while other therapies show variable results and need further research.

research Case Report of Novel Combination of Anthralin and Calcipotriene Leading to Trichologic Response in Alopecia Areata

6 citations , March 2019 in “JAAD case reports”

This review discusses treatment strategies for alopecia areata, emphasizing current immunomodulation approaches but reports no new clinical results.

research Shedding Light on the FDA’s 510(k) Approvals Process: Low-Level Laser Therapy Devices Used in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

6 citations , September 2018 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This review examines the FDA's 510(k) approval process for low-level laser therapy devices used in treating androgenetic alopecia and reports no new clinical findings.

research Distinguishing Immunohistochemical Features of Alopecia Areata from Androgenic Alopecia

3 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study reported that the most reliable way to differentiate alopecia areata from androgenic alopecia is by detecting intrafollicular CD3 and CD8 cell density, with CD3 being the most specific and sensitive marker.

research A Preliminary Study on Topical Cetirizine in the Therapeutic Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

21 citations , June 2017 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study found that topical cetirizine 1% significantly improved hair density and diameter in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with patients tolerating the treatment well.

research Bimatoprost for the Treatment of Eyelash, Eyebrow, and Scalp Alopecia

38 citations , March 2017 in “Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs”

This review examines the potential of bimatoprost for treating various types of eyelash and eyebrow hypotrichosis, discussing its pharmacological properties but providing no new clinical results.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy as a Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia

47 citations , April 2016 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This review found that low-level laser therapy appears promising in improving hair regrowth and patient satisfaction in androgenetic alopecia, though results should be interpreted cautiously.

research Distinguishing Diffuse Alopecia Areata from Pattern Hair Loss Using CD3+ T Cells

19 citations , February 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that the presence of CD3(+) T-cells within empty follicular fibrous tracts is a reliable indicator for diagnosing diffuse alopecia areata instead of pattern hair loss.

research Contact Immunotherapy-Resistant Alopecia Areata Totalis/Universalis Reactive to Topical Corticosteroid

5 citations , May 2015 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Topical corticosteroids can help treat severe alopecia areata when other treatments fail.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Topical Sensitizers

15 citations , January 2015 in “Dermatitis”

This review discusses the efficacy and safety of topical sensitizers for treating alopecia areata and reports no new clinical results; it emphasizes advancements in pediatric use, molecular mechanisms, and targeted delivery methods.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Multicenter Review of 355 Patients

339 citations , February 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that eyelash loss, facial papules, and body hair involvement were linked to severe frontal fibrosing alopecia, and antiandrogens were the most effective treatment.

How Effective Is Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide Compared with Topical Treatments in Inducing and Maintaining Hair Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata? A Critically Appraised Topic

research How Effective Is Intralesional Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide Compared with Topical Treatments in Inducing and Maintaining Hair Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata? A Critically Appraised Topic

25 citations , February 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

The authors concluded that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide may benefit patients with patch-type alopecia areata, but the evidence is limited due to small, bias-prone studies with variations in treatment protocols.

research Current Treatment of Alopecia Areata

71 citations , December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

This review discusses various treatments for alopecia areata, highlighting their limitations and individualized approach, and reports no new clinical results.

research Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Lichen Planopilaris: A Systematic Review

117 citations , March 2013 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study reported that while no effective treatment exists for frontal fibrosing alopecia, oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors showed the most promise, inducing a good clinical response in 45% of patients.

Clinical and Histological Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Alopecia: Female Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata – Part I

research Clinical and Histological Challenge in the Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Alopecia: Female Androgenetic Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata – Part I

29 citations , October 2012 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

This review presents an objective analysis of female androgenetic alopecia, discussing clinical and dermoscopic examination approaches but reports no new clinical findings.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, latanoprost significantly increased hair density in young men with mild androgenetic alopecia after 24 weeks, suggesting it may stimulate hair follicle activity and treat hair loss.

research Eyebrow Regrowth in Patients with Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treated with Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide

51 citations , August 2010 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

In this study, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was associated with eyebrow regrowth in some patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia.

research Topical Immunotherapy in Alopecia Areata

45 citations , January 2010 in “International journal of trichology”

This review examines topical immunotherapy for severe alopecia areata, noting that diphencyprone and squaric acid dibutylester are non-mutagenic options with similar efficacy but different practical considerations, and reports no new clinical results.

research Efficacy And Safety Of A New Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Foam In Alopecia Areata: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

114 citations , October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate foam demonstrated effectiveness and good patient compliance as a safe topical treatment for moderate to severe alopecia areata, with significant hair regrowth compared to placebo.

research Intralesional Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Triamcinolone Acetonide by Jet Injector

100 citations , July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections using a needleless injector led to rapid hair regrowth in patients with limited alopecia areata, while lasting growth was rare in alopecia totalis.

research Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Survey in 16 Patients

123 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, the researchers observed that treatment with intralesional and topical corticosteroids, finasteride, and minoxidil may stop the progression of frontal fibrosing alopecia in postmenopausal and premenopausal women.

research Comparison of Azelaic Acid and Anthralin for the Therapy of Patchy Alopecia Areata

27 citations , January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This pilot study found that azelaic acid treatment for patchy alopecia areata had similar hair regrowth results as anthralin, suggesting it may be an effective topical therapy.

research Topical Prostaglandin F2α Analog Induced Poliosis

51 citations , May 2004 in “American journal of ophthalmology”

This study reports that poliosis can be an adverse effect of topical prostaglandin F2α analog therapy in patients treated for primary open angle glaucoma.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men Aged 40-69 Years: Prevalence and Risk Factors

155 citations , December 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, the researchers did not confirm previously reported links between AGA and smoking or benign prostatic hypertrophy, but found potential associations with alcohol consumption and lean body mass at age 21 that merit further investigation.

Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

research Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

66 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that betamethasone valerate foam was more effective and well-tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate lotion in treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, with higher hair regrowth rates observed.

research Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Under Occlusion in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis/Universalis

146 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was found to induce hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with severe alopecia areata under occlusive conditions, though long-term benefit was limited to 17.8%.

research Fibrosing Alopecia in a Pattern Distribution

158 citations , February 2000 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study reports that some patients with androgenetic alopecia may also exhibit clinical and histological features of inflammation and fibrosis, similar to those found in lichen planopilaris.

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

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

This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of topical sensitizers in treating alopecia areata but reports no new clinical findings.

research Hair Regrowth

118 citations , April 1998 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review discusses the advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata but reports no clinical findings; the authors emphasize the need for further research on molecular control mechanisms.

research Topical Tretinoin as an Adjunctive Therapy with Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide for Alopecia Areata: Clinical Experience in Northern Saudi Arabia

11 citations , April 1997 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article discusses using topical tretinoin with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for alopecia areata in northern Saudi Arabia, but it reports no new clinical findings.

research Postmenopausal Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Frontal Variant of Lichen Planopilaris

329 citations , January 1997 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reports that progressive frontal fibrosing alopecia, a distinct and gradually stabilizing form of lichen planopilaris affecting elderly women and often involving eyebrow hair loss, lacks effective treatments.

research Alopecia Areata in Korea (1982–1994)

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

This study found that immunotherapy with DNCB or DPCP showed better therapeutic effects than intralesional triamcinolone acetonide for patients with bald areas greater than 50 cm², including alopecia totalis and universalis.

research Cutaneous Immunopathology of Androgenetic Alopecia

13 citations , August 1991 in “The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association”

This research found evidence of inflammatory involvement in androgenetic alopecia, with higher deposition of certain immune components in the scalp of affected patients compared to those without baldness.