Studysummary This study found that 88% phenol treatment significantly improved texture, pigmentation, and density of hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients over nine weeks, with 78% showing a good to excellent response. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study evaluated the efficacy of 88% phenol in treating alopecia areata (AA) in 50 patients aged 7-45 years with nonscarring patchy hair loss on the scalp. Patients received phenol applications every 3 weeks, and hair growth was assessed based on texture, pigmentation, and density. Results showed significant improvement in hair texture and pigmentation by the 9th week, and steady improvement in hair density from the 9th week onwards. By the end of the study, 78% of patients exhibited good to excellent hair regrowth, with no poor responses. Side effects were minimal, including temporary hypopigmentation in 10% of patients and hyperpigmentation in 6%. The study concluded that 88% phenol was an effective, low-cost treatment for stable AA.
45 citations
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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.
132 citations
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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.
89 citations
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October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” This review discusses androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata through a systems biology lens, emphasizing the role of multi-omics data integration to explore molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies, but offers no new clinical results.
117 citations
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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.
84 citations
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August 1991 in “British Journal of Dermatology” This study found that 67% of children treated with diphencyprone for alopecia areata or alopecia totalis regrew scalp hair, with 33% achieving complete regrowth.
36 citations
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March 1989 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine” 3% topical minoxidil effectively treats extensive alopecia areata.
