Topical 5% Minoxidil and Potent Topical Corticosteroid Versus Intralesional Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Combined Topical 5% Minoxidil and Potent Topical Corticosteroid Versus Intralesional Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata A Randomized Controlled Trial

Alopecia areata (AA) presents with circumscribed patches of non-scarring hair loss. It inflects a significant psychological and social burden. Many treatment options are used for the treatment of AA. Randomized controlled trials comparing intralesional and topical therapy and comparing combinations are few.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of combined topical 5% minoxidil and potent topical corticosteroid therapy compared to intralesional triamcinolone injection in alopecia areata

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients presenting with scalp alopecia areata, patchy type, of at least 2 months duration.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.
• Alopecia areata solely affecting the beard.
• Pregnant and lactating.
• Patients known to have autoimmune diseases e.g. autoimmune thyroid disease, vitiligo or SLE.
• Patients receiving systemic treatment relevant to alopecia areata within 3 months before enrollment into the study or topical treatment relevant to alopecia areata within 2 months before.
• Patients with a dermatological condition affecting the scalp other than AA: e.g. psoriasis, eczema.
• Patients with psychiatric illness or psychological state interfering with compliance or influencing the expectation of the patient.