COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO CONCENTRATIONS (2.5MG/ML AND 5 MG/ML) OF INTRALESIONAL TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety between two concentrations (2.5 mg/mL versus 5 mg/mL) of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) for the treatment of alopecia areata (AA). Materials and methods: Sixty patients with AA were divided into two groups. The group receiving 2.5 mg/mL included 30 patients, while the group receiving 5 mg/mL also included 30 patients. Both groups were treated with monthly TAC injections for three sessions. The response rate (based on changes in the area of hair loss, SALT score, and trichoscopy findings) and side effects were compared between the two groups after completing the three treatment sessions. Results: The differences in hair loss area and SALT scores between the two groups were not statistically significant after 12 weeks. However, terminal hair regrowth and hair density improvement were observed in 40.7% and 59.3% of patients receiving 5 mg/mL, compared to 27.9% and 42.7% of those receiving 2.5 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Adverse effects were more common in the group receiving 5 mg/mL (43.4%) compared to the group receiving 2.5 mg/mL (20%) at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide at 2.5 mg/mL is as effective and safe as 5 mg/mL in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata. However, TAC 5 mg/mL appears to be more effective in promoting terminal hair regrowth and increasing hair density.