October 2021 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” High-dose corticosteroids can significantly regrow hair in severe alopecia areata.
October 2023 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Pulse corticosteroids help regrow hair in alopecia areata but have side effects, especially betamethasone.
19 citations,
January 2013 in “Annals of Dermatology” This retrospective study investigated the effects and safety of high-dose steroid pulse therapy, both oral and intravenous, on severe alopecia areata (AA) in 85 patients treated between 1999 and 2010. The overall satisfactory response rate was 51.8%, with a mean follow-up time of 37.6 months and a relapse rate of 22.7%. Patients with AA of recent onset (within one year) had significantly higher response rates (p<0.001) and lower relapse rates compared to those with AA persisting for more than one year. Early treatment also showed a 47% satisfactory response rate in severe cases like alopecia totalis, alopecia universalis, or ophiasis type. The study concluded that oral steroid pulse therapy was as effective and well-tolerated as intravenous therapy, suggesting it as the first-line treatment for severe AA of recent onset.
5 citations,
November 1992 in “Current problems in dermatology” Glucocorticoids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that must be used carefully to avoid serious side effects.
40 citations,
July 2007 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Systemic glucocorticosteroids are a primary treatment for various skin conditions but require careful management due to potential side effects and relapses.