Efficacy and tolerability of diphenylcyclopropenone in the treatment of alopecia areata

ABSTRACT

Though many therapies exist for alopecia areata, one of the most unique is topical sensitization. Sensitizers as DPCP offer an attractive treatment option for many patients with alopecia areata, including those who have previously failed more traditional treatments and those who have extensive disease. The present study was done to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of DPCP in the treatment of AA. Twenty five patients with AA were included in this study and divided into two groups Group I, consists of 20 patients divided into 2 subgroups [subgroup Ia, 10 AA patients of less than 50% scalp hair loss and subgroup Ib, 10 AA patients of more than 50% scalp hair loss]. Group II included five patients with AT. After sensitization with 2% DPCP, progressively higher concentrations, beginning at 0.001%, were applied weekly for 6 months. Collectively, 23 out of the twenty-five patients [92%] showed variable grades of hair regrowth; 17 patients [68%] showed complete hair regrowth, 4 patients [16%] showed patchy terminal hair regrowth, 2 patients [8%] showed sparse pigmented hair and 2 patients [8%] showed no response at all. Reported adverse reactions were occasional episodes of contact dermatitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, generalized pruritus and pigmentary changes. Topical sensitization with DPCP offers a unique therapeutic alternative to traditional treatments for AA. It also offers many advantages over other treatments in extensive AA