Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata

September 2011 in “ Expert Review of Dermatology ”

Stamatis Gregoriou, Charalambos Kazakos, Dimitrios Rigopoulos

alopecia areata autoimmune disorder topical therapy systemic therapy corticosteroids minoxidil anthralin topical immunotherapy phototherapy Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This review discusses various treatment options for alopecia areata, noting a lack of consensus on grading and treatment algorithms, and reports no new clinical results.

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

This document is a review of treatment options for alopecia areata, a type of hair loss caused by an autoimmune disorder. The article discusses various treatment options, including topical and systemic therapies such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, anthralin, topical immunotherapy, and phototherapy. However, the article notes that none of these treatments are completely satisfactory due to the unpredictable and chronic nature of AA, and that there is limited evidence-based knowledge on the efficacy of these treatments. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age, extent of disease, and personal preference.

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Research cited in this study

47 / 47 results

research Efficacy and Tolerability of Methotrexate in Severe Childhood Alopecia Areata

70 citations , April 2011 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This retrospective study found that methotrexate had variable efficacy in treating severe alopecia areata in children, with successful hair regrowth observed in five out of thirteen assessable cases.

research Trichoscopy for Common Hair Loss Diseases: Algorithmic Method for Diagnosis

89 citations , December 2010 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This study describes characteristic trichoscopic features of various hair loss diseases and proposes an algorithmic method for diagnosing them, but reports no new clinical results.

research Hair Transplantation for Therapy-Resistant Alopecia Areata of the Eyebrows: Is It the Right Choice?

11 citations , August 2010 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This case report describes occipital hair transplantation for therapy-resistant alopecia areata in eyebrows, observing 80% hair re-growth two years post-surgery and suggesting surgical options may be useful for stable cases.

Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

research Photodynamic Therapy with Methyl 5-Aminolevulinate Acid Might Be Ineffective in Recalcitrant Alopecia Totalis Regardless of Using a Microneedle Roller to Increase Skin Penetration

27 citations , May 2010 in “Dermatologic surgery”

This study found that photodynamic therapy with methyl 5-aminolevulinic acid was ineffective for treating alopecia totalis, even with microneedle rolling to enhance drug delivery.

research Effects of Diphencyprone on Expression of Bcl-2 Protein in Patients with Alopecia Areata

13 citations , January 2010 in “Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology”

This study found that increased Bcl-2 protein expression after DPCP treatment was associated with hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients, suggesting its role in inhibiting apoptosis.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the clinical presentation and histopathologic features of alopecia areata and proposes a hypothesis for its development, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyelash Alopecia in Alopecia Areata Universalis

50 citations , December 2009 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that latanoprost may be effective for treating eyelash alopecia areata, achieving cosmetically acceptable regrowth in 45% of patients.

research Alefacept for Severe Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

43 citations , November 2009 in “Archives of dermatology”

This study found that alefacept showed no significant improvement in treating severe alopecia areata compared to placebo over a 24-week period.

research Five-Year Experience in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Diphencyprone

37 citations , September 2009 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that diphencyprone is an effective and safe treatment for extensive alopecia areata, especially with long-term therapy and maintenance to reduce relapse risk.

research 308-nm Excimer Laser for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata in Children

79 citations , September 2009 in “Pediatric dermatology”

This study found that the 308-nm Excimer laser was effective and safe for treating patchy alopecia areata in children, with hair regrowth observed in 60% of treated scalp patches.

research Instilled Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution in Patients with Eyelash Alopecia Areata

30 citations , August 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that while bimatoprost was safe for 16 weeks, it was not effective for eyelash growth in patients with significant loss due to alopecia areata, though some with less loss experienced growth.

Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

55 citations , March 2009 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that latanoprost and bimatoprost, when applied cutaneously to the eyelids, did not induce appreciable eyelash regrowth in patients with alopecia areata over 16 weeks.

research Alopecia Areata Following Adalimumab

38 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This case report highlights a woman who developed new-onset alopecia areata after starting adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis, challenging the assumed role of TNF-alpha in the condition's pathogenesis.

research Hair Growth Stimulatory Effect by a Combination of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Iron Ion

22 citations , November 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study suggests that a mixture of 5‐ALA and iron ion significantly improved hair growth in mice, comparable to minoxidil, without promoting keratinocyte or fibroblast proliferation in vitro.

research Treatment of Persistent Alopecia Areata with Sulfasalazine

45 citations , July 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that oral sulfasalazine led to varying hair regrowth outcomes in patients with persistent alopecia areata, with 56.3% showing moderate to good responses.

research Lack of Response of Alopecia Areata to Pimecrolimus Cream

26 citations , March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.

research Combination of Topical Garlic Gel and Betamethasone Valerate Cream in the Treatment of Localized Alopecia Areata: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

61 citations , January 2007 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology”

This study found that garlic gel significantly improved the efficacy of topical betamethasone valerate in treating alopecia areata compared to placebo.

research Development of Alopecia Areata Universalis in a Patient Receiving Adalimumab

69 citations , December 2006 in “Archives of dermatology”

This entry contains no research abstract, so no scientific findings or conclusions are reported.

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 Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Anti-Interferon-Gamma Antibodies

16 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This study found that intramuscular anti-IFN-γ significantly stabilized and promoted hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients with patchy, progressive hair loss, whereas those with total baldness showed more limited improvement.

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyebrow Alopecia Areata

36 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential of latanoprost for treating alopecia areata, but notes that well-controlled studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Successful Hair Transplant of Eyebrow Alopecia Areata

20 citations , August 2005 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This case study reported that an experimental hair transplant provided eight months of relief from eyebrow alopecia areata for a patient previously unresponsive to standard medical therapy, with ongoing manageable results using intralesional cortisone.

research Placebo-Controlled Oral Pulse Prednisolone Therapy in Alopecia Areata

141 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.

research 308-Nm Excimer Laser Therapy in Alopecia Areata

85 citations , November 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

The 308-nm excimer laser helps hair regrowth in some alopecia areata cases but not all.

research Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Apoptosis Inhibitors (Survivin and p16) and CCL27 in Alopecia Areata Before and After Diphencyprone Treatment: An Immunohistochemical Study

58 citations , May 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that topical immunotherapy affects angiogenesis and immune cell ratios in the scalp, potentially offering insights into the mechanisms underlying alopecia areata.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Restoration of Hair Growth in Mice with an Alopecia Areata-Like Disease Using Topical Anthralin

29 citations , January 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology”

In this study, anthralin treatment led to hair regrowth in alopecia areata-like affected C3H/HeJ mice, suggesting it may be an effective therapy for this condition.

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 Alopecia Areata: Treatment of Today and Tomorrow

48 citations , June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This review assesses the effectiveness of various alopecia areata treatments and concludes that only contact sensitizers like diphenylcyclopropenone and squaric acid dibutylester have shown efficacy in evidence-based studies, but it reports no new clinical results.

research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Totalis and Universalis: A Retrospective Study

39 citations , April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

This study found that PUVA treatment resulted in complete hair regrowth in over half of patients with alopecia areata totalis or universalis, despite a higher treatment failure rate in those with a family history of the condition.

research Topical Tacrolimus (FK506): Treatment Failure in Four Cases of Alopecia Universalis

19 citations , September 2002 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

In this retrospective study, anti-tuberculous agents, likely rifampicin, were effective adjunctive therapies for a chalazion, coinciding with spontaneous drainage in a patient with rosacea.

research The Therapeutic Use of Topical Contact Sensitizers in Benign Dermatoses

60 citations , September 2001 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This review discusses the use of contact sensitizers in topical immunotherapy for conditions like alopecia areata and viral warts, focusing on treatment methods, efficacy, and potential adverse effects, and reports no new clinical results.

research Multi-Injection Plate for Intralesional Corticosteroid Treatment of Patchy Alopecia Areata

16 citations , July 2000 in “Dermatologic surgery”

This paper contains author contact information and disclosures without reporting new research findings or results.

research Alopecia Areata: Diagnosis and Management

48 citations , May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the diagnosis and management of alopecia areata but reports no new research findings.

research Severe Alopecia Areata Treated With Systemic Corticosteroids

30 citations , August 1998 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that systemic corticosteroids led to satisfactory hair regrowth in 38.9% of severe alopecia areata patients, but hair fall occurred upon therapy discontinuation or tapering.

research Treatment of Widespread Alopecia Areata in Young Patients with Monthly Oral Corticosteroid Pulse

48 citations , July 1998 in “Pediatric Dermatology”

This study found that pulsed doses of prednisolone led to excellent hair growth in 60% of young patients with widespread alopecia areata, with minimal side effects.

research Cytokines and Growth Factors Influence Hair Growth In Vitro: Possible Implications for the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Alopecia Areata

91 citations , March 1996 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

This study concluded that cytokines and growth factors significantly regulate hair growth in vitro, with some completely inhibiting growth, such as EGF and TNFα.

research Pulsed Administration of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

117 citations , February 1996 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that monthly oral prednisolone pulses of 300 mg were effective and safe for treating widespread alopecia areata, with 58.3% of patients achieving cosmetically acceptable hair growth.

research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Partialis, Totalis, and Universalis: Audit of 10 Years' Experience at St John's Institute of Dermatology

105 citations , December 1995 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This retrospective study concluded that PUVA treatment is generally ineffective for alopecia areata, with low effective success rates for partialis, totalis, and universalis types.

research Topical Minoxidil in Alopecia Areata: No Effect on the Perifollicular Lymphoid Infiltration

33 citations , July 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil doesn't affect perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in alopecia areata patients.

research Hair Growth on Nude Mice Due to Cyclosporin A

25 citations , December 1991 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that cyclosporin A treatment in young nude mice induced dose-dependent hair growth, which stopped after treatment cessation, but did not result in hair growth in older mice.

research Extensive Alopecia Areata: Results of Treatment with 3% Topical Minoxidil

36 citations , March 1989 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata.

research Evaluation of Anthralin in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

109 citations , November 1987 in “Archives of dermatology”

In this study, 0.5%-1.0% anthralin cream led to a cosmetic response in 25% of patients with severe alopecia areata, despite common side effects like pruritus and erythema.

research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

104 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Topical Cyclosporine in Alopecia Areata

69 citations , February 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This case report describes the topical application of cyclosporine in a man with alopecia universalis, which showed hair regrowth after 10 months of daily use, except where limited by a congenital nevus.

research Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , October 1983 in “BMJ”

This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.