Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Topical Betamethasone Alone, Combined With Cryotherapy, and Enhanced With Oral Desloratadine in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher



F Iraji FARIBA ; Ms Mousavi Marzieh SADAT ; Ah Siadat Amir HOSEIN
Source: Iranian Journal of Dermatology Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of non-scarring hair loss that typically manifests as distinct patches of hair loss on the scalp, beard, or body. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral antihistamines in treating patients with AA and to compare their effects with those of conventional therapies. Methods: This randomized clinical trial involved 48 patients with AA affecting the scalp or beard, divided into three treatment groups. All groups received betamethasone lotion at a concentration of 0.1% once daily for 12 weeks. The second group additionally underwent cryotherapy for a maximum of six sessions at two-week intervals, while the third group received both cryotherapy and desloratadine 5 mg tablets daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of terminal hair regrowth and patient satisfaction, both assessed after 12 weeks. Results: Among a total of 48 patients with an average age of 32.75 ± 11 years, 11 patients (22.9%) experienced side effects during treatment. The second group developed the highest incidence of side effects at 54.5%, followed by the third group at 45.5%, while the first group reported no side effects (0%) (P = 0.024). The second and third groups had significantly higher rates of side effects compared to the first group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.043, respectively), but there was no significant difference between the second and third groups (P = 1.000). Conclusion: Antihistamines are an effective adjunct in the treatment of AA when used in conjunction with cryotherapy, as they may also help to mitigate potential side effects. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.