The Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata had an unpredictable course that was not easily altered by treatment. Various treatments could provoke regrowth of terminal hair to varying extents but might not prevent further hair loss. Corticosteroids were the most popular treatment, administered topically, intralesionally, or systemically, with intralesional injections of long-acting steroid suspensions being most effective. Minoxidil had limited success in stimulating hair regrowth without changing the course of the condition. Short-contact anthralin therapy showed promise, particularly in children. Other treatments included contact sensitizers, phototherapy, and immunomodulators like inosiplex, cyclosporine, and nitrogen mustard.