Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Intralesional Minoxidil Injection Alone and in Combination versus the Standard Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a form of a non-scarring autoimmune disease that affects hair follicles with no age, sex and race predilection. The intense emotional distress produced by AA causes disturbance in self-confidence and decrease self-esteem. In spite of significant variations in the clinical types of AA, it most commonly presents as well-defined round or oval lesions of partial scalp hair loss either as single or multiple patches (patchy AA) and can affect any hair bearing site. As yet, there is an argument about the disease course prediction and the response to treatment is variable. The exact cause of AA remains dilemma but immunological, genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. Spontaneous hair regrowth might occur in up to 50% to 80% of patients within 1 year; however, it is also possible for additional patches to form that can coalesce into a large lesion or eventually involving the complete scalp (AT) or all scalp and body hairs (AU) in severe conditions. Numerous therapeutics modalities are available for AA and can be used in combination. Intralesional corticosteroids are considered the golden standard for treating patchy AA of limited extent that involving < 50% of the scalp and for cosmetic sensitive area. Nevertheless, ILCS are used as