Microneedling for Cutaneous Manifestations of Autoimmune Disease: A Scoping Review

Microneedling has emerged as a promising, minimally invasive modality for treating cutaneous manifestations of autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata, vitiligo, and dermatomyositis. This procedure induces controlled microinjuries that stimulate wound healing, collagen production, and tissue remodeling, while also enhancing transdermal drug delivery. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of microneedling in managing autoimmune-related dermatologic conditions. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies were identified through Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science, a multidisciplinary citation database of scientific literature. Eligible studies were published in English between 2014 and 2024, involved adult populations, and reported original research. Review articles, non-human studies, and studies involving participants under 18 years of age were excluded. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, microneedling demonstrated benefit primarily as an adjunctive therapy, with improved outcomes reported when combined with treatments such as corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, and narrowband ultraviolet B therapy. Evidence supports its role in promoting hair regrowth in alopecia areata and facilitating repigmentation in vitiligo. Limited evidence from a case report suggests potential benefit in reducing calcinosis cutis in dermatomyositis. The therapeutic effects of microneedling appear to be mediated by enhanced drug absorption and stimulation of local regenerative pathways. Although findings are promising, the current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study design, and short follow-up periods. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish standardized treatment protocols and to better assess long-term safety and efficacy. Microneedling represents a potential adjunctive treatment option for autoimmune-related cutaneous conditions and warrants further investigation.