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Dinitrochlorobenzene therapy for alopecia areata.
Archives of Dermatology
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Topical dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) treatment effectively stimulated hair regrowth in most patients with alopecia areata. This immunotherapy approach showed significant, though not always persistent, hair regrowth on treated areas.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss.
- Current treatments for alopecia areata have variable efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in treating alopecia areata.
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of DNCB on peribulbar infiltrates.
Main Methods:
- Ninety patients with alopecia areata were enrolled.
- One side of the scalp was treated weekly with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in acetone.
- The contralateral side served as a control.
Main Results:
- 89% of patients (80/90) experienced hair regrowth on the DNCB-treated side within eight weeks.
- Persistent hair regrowth was observed in 80% of patients (72/90).
- Increased peribulbar round cell infiltrates were noted on the treated side.
Conclusions:
- Topical DNCB is an effective treatment for stimulating hair regrowth in alopecia areata.
- DNCB may exert its therapeutic effect by altering local immunoregulation and peribulbar infiltrates.