The Effectiveness and Safety of Three Treatment Regimens of Topical Minoxidil 5%, Betamethasone 0.064%, and Castor and Jojoba Oils for Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter Cohort Study

This multicenter cohort study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of three treatment regimens for alopecia areata: topical minoxidil 5% combined with betamethasone, betamethasone alone, and herbal preparations of castor and jojoba oils with betamethasone, involving 278 participants. The combination of minoxidil and betamethasone was found to be the most effective, resulting in a significantly higher rate of hair regrowth, greater patient satisfaction, and a shorter median time to initial response compared to other treatments. Despite promising results, further research using randomized clinical trials is needed to strengthen the evidence. Common side effects included acne and hypertrichosis, but the combination therapy was generally well-tolerated. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, with no conflicts of interest or external funding reported.