PIGMENTATION IN ALOPECIA TOTALIS

Abstract

To the Editor : I have been treating many patients who have been afflicted with alopecia areata, totalis, and universalis. The method of therapy previously described by me (Alopecia Areata, Partialis, and Totalis: Treatment with Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, and Their Analogs, Prednisone and Prednisolone, Medical Times , October, 1956) is the cautious and regular use of corticosteroids, commencing with cortisone and hydrocortisone, and more recently the use of prednisone, prednisolone, and methyl prednisolone (Medrol). I have been supplementing the above therapy with weekly and subsequently biweekly injections of zinc corticotropin, which is given simultaneously to prevent the suppression of adrenal gland activity. I have observed that in a large majority of alopecia totalis patients there is a pallor and deficiency of normal pigmentation of the scalp and face. As the corticosteroid-corticotropin therapy continues, the growth of scalp hair is accompanied by gradual return of pigment to the face, scalp, and new hair,