Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Cryotherapy versus Intralesional Corticosteroids injection in Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Abstract Alopecia areata, one or more round bald patches appear suddenly, most often on the scalp. It can affect males and females at any age. It starts in childhood in about 50%, and before the age of 40 years in 80%. The exact mechanism is not yet understood. There is not yet any reliable cure for alopecia areata. Several topical treatments used for alopecia areata are reported to result in temporary improvement in some people. Their role and efficacy are unknown. Injections of triamcinolone acetonide 2.5–10 mg/ml into patchy scalp, its efficacy is temporary. Oral and pulse intravenous steroids in high dose can lead to temporary regrowth of hair. The sensitisers diphenylcyclopropenone provoke hair growth in treated areas Now, superficial cryotheray is introduced as a possible treatment for Alopecia Areata. With minimial side effects and being less painful. So, this study clarifies the therapeutic efficacy and safety of superficial cryotherapy for treatment of patchy Alopecia areata. Aim of the study The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of Superficial Cryotherapy and Intralesional corticosteroids in the treatment of patchy Alopecia Areata. Patients and methods study included 20 patients complaining of Alopecia Areata. 3 patches of scalp alopecia areata will be randomly subjected to either superficial cryotherapy twice monthly for 3 months (3 cycles, 2-3 seconds) or intralesional steroid injections once monthly for 3 months (triaminoclone acetonide 1:7, 1ml) or intralesional saline (1 ml). Assessment for the response to treatment will be done at one month and three month following treatment by digital photography and by phototrichogram by comparing number of Terminal, and vellus and hair thickness, Also assessment for side effects of therapy will be done. Results Patients treated with TCA showed statistically significant high response compared to patients treated with cryotherapy. Also, side effects assessment showed minimal side effects with treatment with TCA compared to cryotherapy. Conclusion TCA treatment of alopecia areata is much tolerable than treatment with cryotherapy with also better response rates.