The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

Treatment of Alopecia Areata

April 1981 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

I.G. Ralfs

alopecia areata phenol rubefacients corticosteroids DNCB sensitization PUVA atopy hair loss steroids PUVA therapy

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TLDR No treatment reliably changes Alopecia Areata's course; reassurance and possibly a wig are recommended.

The review on "Treatment of Alopecia Areata" by Ian Ralfs in 1981 concluded that despite the availability of various treatments, none were definitively effective in changing the disease's natural progression. Prognosis varied, with poorer outcomes linked to youth, extensive hair loss, and associated atopy. Treatments like phenol, rubefacients, corticosteroids, DNCB sensitization, and PUVA had mixed results and often led to side effects and relapses. The review suggested that the best approach might be to provide patients with an explanation of the disease, reassurance, and possibly a prescription for a wig.

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Research cited in this study

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

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

Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis

research Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis

28 citations, October 1978 in “Archives of dermatology”

Corticosteroids may effectively regrow hair in Alopecia Totalis with manageable side effects.

research Topical Treatment of Extended Alopecia

17 citations, January 1977 in “Dermatology”

Ultraviolet light helped hair growth more effectively than triamcinolone acetonide.

Large Doses of Glucocorticoid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

research Large Doses of Glucocorticoid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations, November 1975 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

Large doses of glucocorticoids are not suitable for general use in treating severe alopecia areata due to inconsistent results and risks.

research Cutaneous Corticosteroid Injection and Amaurosis

34 citations, November 1974 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Smaller, diluted corticosteroid injections reduce the risk of vision loss.

research Use of Aloe in Treating Leg Ulcers and Dermatoses

54 citations, January 1973 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Aloe helps heal leg ulcers and skin disorders.

research A Comparison of Intralesional Triamcinolone Hexacetonide and Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

75 citations, September 1971 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Both steroids effectively promote hair growth for at least 9 months.

Related Community Posts Join

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community Alopecia Areata Question

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 years ago

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

in Chat 3 months ago

A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

community Covid (likely) induced alopecia areata - now 2nd round of Covid, what can I expect?

in Treatment 1 upvotes 1 year ago

After experiencing hair loss due to alopecia areata following COVID-19 vaccination and infection, the individual saw improvement with steroid treatments and Olumiant. They paused Olumiant during a second COVID-19 infection and expressed concern about potential hair loss flare-ups.

community Onion Juice - An effective topical treatment for Alopecia Areata 🧬

in Treatment 1 year ago

Onion juice, when applied topically, is an effective treatment for Alopecia Areata, showing significant hair regrowth in both males and females. The study suggests it could be interesting to test its effectiveness on Androgenic Alopecia.

community Nearly 40% of Adults with Alopecia Areata Taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg Saw at Least 80% Scalp Hair Coverage at 52 Weeks

in Research/Science 6 upvotes 2 years ago

Nearly 40% of adults with alopecia areata achieved at least 80% scalp hair coverage after 52 weeks of taking OLUMIANT® 4-mg. The conversation distinguishes this success from androgenetic alopecia, which is a different type of hair loss.

Related Research

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Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.