Anthralin therapy for alopecia areata

Topical anthralin application producing a brisk irritant contact dermatitis has been reported to have therapeutic benefit in alopecia areata. A pilot clinical study was undertaken to determine whether topical anthralin application in doses low enough to produce only minimal contact dermatitis would produce a similar therapeutic response. None of the patients in the study received any benefit from this low-dose regimen. If anthralin is of benefit in the therapy of alopecia areata, a significant irritant contact dermatitis is apparently required.