TLDR Combining systemic steroids and dithranol can effectively regrow hair in severe alopecia areata.
This case report describes a 12-year-old boy with alopecia totalis who experienced hair regrowth after being treated with a combination of systemic steroids and dithranol. Despite concerns that steroids might reduce dithranol's effectiveness, the patient showed hair regrowth on the side of the scalp where dithranol was applied alongside systemic steroids. This suggests a synergistic effect, as both treatments inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination therapy reduced irritation, improved compliance, and enhanced hair regrowth, indicating it could be an effective treatment for severe alopecia areata with minimal side effects.
12 citations
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June 2017 in “Dermatologic therapy” Higher concentrations of dithranol can help regrow hair in severe alopecia areata.
24 citations
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January 2017 in “Pediatric dermatology” 1% anthralin ointment is effective and safe for treating severe alopecia areata in children.
29 citations
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January 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology” Topical anthralin helped regrow hair in mice with a condition similar to human alopecia.
6 citations
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November 2017 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Combining mometasone furoate cream with adapalene gel is safer and more effective for hair regrowth in alopecia areata than using the cream alone.
October 2024 in “Journal of Education Health and Sport” Alopecia areata treatment should be personalized, using topical or systemic therapies based on severity, with promising options like JAK inhibitors needing more research.
99 citations
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July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology” New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.
October 2018 in “InTech eBooks” The most effective treatments for hair loss are minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, and hair transplants, with steroids and immunosuppressants for autoimmune types.
1 citations
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May 2017 in “InTech eBooks” New treatments focusing on immune pathways show promise for stubborn hair loss.
