A study to evaluate the efficacy of various topical treatment modalities for alopecia areata.

CONTEXT: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common form of non-scarring hair disorder of unclear etiology. The disease may have serious psychological effect.

AIMS: The objective is to assess the therapeutic effect and side effects of various topical modalities for the treatment of AA.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

Open, randomized, comparative study.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

For this study, 30 patients were included of all age groups and both sexes having localized (<5 patches and <25% scalp involvement) alopecia, with no underlying disease or family history, and who had not received any treatment before. They were treated sequentially with 5 different combination regimes for 3 months. The response was assessed subjectively as well as objectively by the "Severity of Alopecia Tool Score".

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Out of the 5 modalities studied, the Intralesional and Topical Steroids were the most effective with no significant side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the various topical modalities used for the treatment of AA, the most effective are the Intralesional and Topical steroids with no significant side-effects.