Treatments for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

March 2021 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”

Takeshi Fukumoto, Rie Fukumoto, Elizabeth Magno, Masahiro Oka, Chikako Nishigori, Nobuyuki Horita

alopecia areata pentoxifylline topical corticosteroids topical calcipotriol NBUVB intralesional corticosteroids SADBE IFNA contact immunotherapy TCPC.sys CGT.sys Chinese herbal medicines AA PTX corticosteroids calcipotriol narrowband UVB interferon alpha immunotherapy

TLDR Some treatments like pentoxifylline with topical corticosteroids might work for alopecia areata, but more research is needed to find the best one.

This systematic review and network meta-analysis included 54 randomized controlled trials with 3,209 patients, evaluating 49 different treatments for alopecia areata (AA). The study found that pentoxifylline (PTX) plus topical corticosteroids had the highest treatment success rate compared to "no treatment," with other treatments like PTX alone, topical calcipotriol plus NBUVB, and intralesional corticosteroids also showing high success rates. SADBE plus IFNA was the most effective in the contact immunotherapy loop, and TCPC.sys plus CGT.sys was the best among Chinese herbal medicines. Despite these findings, no single best treatment for AA was identified due to independent loops and wide confidence intervals, highlighting the need for further head-to-head comparisons among effective treatments.

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14 / 14 results

research Topical Calcipotriol vs Narrowband Ultraviolet B in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

9 citations , June 2019 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Both topical calcipotriol and narrowband UVB improved alopecia, but combining them didn't enhance the effect on hair loss severity, despite higher vitamin D3 levels.

research The Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil for Non-Scarring Alopecia: A Systematic Review

1 citations , February 2019 in “PubMed”

Minoxidil is effective in treating various types of hair loss and can improve quality of life, with combination therapies showing increased effectiveness.

research Monotherapy for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

16 citations , January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Intralesional corticosteroids work best for mild alopecia areata, and DPCP works best for moderate to severe cases.

research A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Pilot Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Apremilast in Subjects with Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata

42 citations , November 2018 in “Archives of dermatological research”

Apremilast was not effective in treating moderate-to-severe alopecia areata.

research Intralesional Pentoxifylline Injection in Localized Alopecia Areata

3 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology”

Pentoxifylline alone and combined with triamcinolone acetonide is effective for treating localized alopecia areata, with the combination showing the highest effectiveness.

research Systemic Treatments for Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

41 citations , September 2018 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

No systemic treatment for alopecia areata has strong evidence of effectiveness.

research A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women

23 citations , April 2018 in “PubMed”

research Alopecia Areata: What’s New in Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Options?

56 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of dermatological science”

New insights into the causes and treatments for the autoimmune hair loss condition Alopecia areata have been made.

research Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Minoxidil 5% in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Trichoscopic Evaluation

62 citations , January 2017 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

PRP more effective than minoxidil 5% for treating alopecia areata.

research Clobetasol Propionate, 0.05%, vs Hydrocortisone, 1%, for Alopecia Areata in Children

49 citations , January 2014 in “JAMA dermatology”

Clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, is more effective and safe for treating childhood alopecia areata than hydrocortisone, 1%.

research British Association of Dermatologists’ Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata 2012

218 citations , May 2012 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Guidelines suggest various treatments for alopecia areata, but leaving it untreated is also an option as 80% cases may recover on their own.

research Advances in the Management of Alopecia Areata

51 citations , December 2011 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

New treatments for severe hair loss often fail, but some patients see hair regrowth with specific therapies, and treatment should be tailored to the individual's situation.