Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in alopecia areata amongst 62 Saudi Arabs

Evaluation of 62 Saudi Arabs with alopecia areata on monthly intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide, showed complete regrowth in 40 (63%) patients at 4 months. Regrowth was likely in young adults with few lesions (less than 5 patches), lesions of short durations (less than 1 month) patches less than 3 cm in diameter. Regrowth was poor when associated with atopy (2 patients) and mongolism (1 patient). Side effects of treatment were minimal and the drug was well tolerated.