Review of the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Alopecia.

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a new approach in dermatology and there is evidence to suggest that it provides excellent adjuvant treatment for nonscarring alopecia cases. There is evidence supporting the hypothesis that PRP therapy increases hair growth and thickness in patients with nonscarring alopecia. Studies including participants with scarring alopecia are limited and larger scale studies with tighter controls in PRP preparation, administration, and follow-up are needed to determine whether this is a clinically sound approach. Further symptom control analysis is also warranted as in both single and combination PRP therapy trials there are little data to support treatment effect on symptoms such as burning and itching. In this article, the author explains PRP preparation processes and PRP types and compares stand-alone PRP therapy with combination PRP study results. The author also makes recommendations for treatment and discusses the future of PRP research.