Treatment of alopecia areata with topical nitrogen mustard

Eleven patients with severe alopecia areata (localized and totalis types) were treated with topically applied nitrogen mustard. Nine patients had terminal hair regrowth; in 7 of the 11 patients, it was cosmetically acceptable. Hair regrowth began approximately 1-2 months after the initiation of therapy. Two patients had an allergic contact dermatitis reaction to the mechloretamine solution; no systemic side effects were seen. During a follow-up period of 12 months, only two patients had a recurrence. These preliminary results indicate that topically applied nitrogen mustard has a significant effect in alopecia areata.