Long-term results of topical immunotherapy in children with alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

BACKGROUND

Topical immunotherapy has been used in the treatment of children with alopecia areata with encouraging results.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the long-term results in 33 children with severe alopecia areata treated with topical immunotherapy.

METHODS

From 1983 to 1989 we treated 33 children with topical immunotherapy with squaric acid dibutylester.

RESULTS

Complete hair regrowth was observed in 10 children (30.3%). During the follow-up period (mean, 5.9 years; range, 4 to 12 years), 7 of these 10 patients had severe relapses that were not responsive to further treatment. Only three clinically benefited from topical immunotherapy. Two maintained complete hair regrowth after treatment was stopped.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that only a small proportion of children with severe alopecia areata will obtain a persistent benefit from topical immunotherapy.