Comparative Study between the Efficacy of Microneedling with Topical Triamcinolone Application and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection for Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Abstract Background Alopecia areata presents as one or more round bald patches that appears suddenly and affect males and females at any age. It starts in childhood in about 50%, and before the age of 40 years in 80%. The exact mechanism is not yet understood. There is not yet any reliable cure for alopecia areata. Several topical treatments used for alopecia areata are reported to result in temporary improvement in some people. Aim of the Study The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of uses of microneedling with topical triamcinolone versus intralesional injection with triamcinolone in treatment of alopecia areata. Patients and Methods This study included 30 patients with scalp AA of at least 2 patches. One patch was treated with microneedling with Derma roller and topical triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/mL) and the second patch was treated with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (2.5 mg/mL). Clinical, photographic and trichoscopic examination were performed before and 1 month after last session. Results Comparison of clinical response between the 2 treated patches revealed statistically significant better response with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide compared to microneedling and topical triamcinolone acetonide treated patches.