Topical Cyclosporine in Alopecia Areata

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> The recent article by Biren and Barr¹advocates the use of cyclosporine therapy in alopecia areata. We report here our experience with the topical application of the drug. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 23-year-old man had had alopecia universalis for three years. He had been successfully treated with oral corticosteroids, but his hair had fallen again after discontinuation of the treatment. After consent, in May 1985, he initiated applying a lotion containing 250 mg of cyclosporine in 80 mL of isopropyl alcohol, 10 mL of propylene glycol, and 15 mL of distilled water once a day to his bald scalp (Fig 1). Since a congenital nevus was present on the vertex, he was advised not to apply the lotion to it. In September 1985, no hair growth was registered, but the patient continued applying the lotion. In March 1986, regrowth was apparent, sparing the nevus of the vertex