Keywords
Triamcinolone Acetonide
Methotrexate
Hair Regrowth
How to Cite
Abstract
Background
Alopecia areata (AA) refers to an autoimmune disease of the loss of hair in small spots in a circular form. Localized AA may have devastating implications for the mental health of affected patients, which may result in distress and social difficulties. The symptoms can be treated with different drugs, including corticosteroids like Triamcinolone Acetonide in-lesionally and immunosuppressives like Methotrexate. The objective of the given study is to compare the efficacy of the two treatments in stimulating hair growth and localized AA.
Objectives
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of intra-lesional Methotrexate and Triamcinolone Acetonide in the treatment of localized alopecia areata. The study study will be conducted to assess the hair growth, attendee reaction, and side effects of each treatment.
Place and Duration of study: From December 2024 to May 2025 Dermatology Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta
Methodology
The study participants were 100 patients with the diagnosis of localized alopecia areata, randomly grouped into receiving intra-lesional Triamcinolone Acetonide (group A) or Methotrexate (group B). The two groups were followed for 6 months and assessed every 3 months. The major outcome measures were the degree of hair growth, the patient-reported outcomes, and the side effects. The selection of statistical tests was SPSS; a significant value of p<0.05 was considered in comparing the two groups. The average age of the patients was 35 10 years.
Results
Out of 100 patients, 50 received Triamcinolone Acetonide, and 50 received Methotrexate. The mean age of patients was 35 ± 10 years. In the Triamcinolone Acetonide group, 72% of patients showed significant hair regrowth after 6 months, compared to 45% in the Methotrexate group. Triamcinolone-treated patients exhibited better outcomes in terms of hair regrowth, with an average of 85% regrowth in patches. Conversely, Methotrexate-treated patients had slower regrowth, with only 50% achieving regrowth beyond 60%. Side effects were more common in the Methotrexate group (15%) than the Triamcinolone group (5%). A statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in treatment outcomes (p=0.01). The results suggest that Triamcinolone Acetonide is more effective than Methotrexate for localized AA in terms of faster and more complete regrowth.
Conclusion
Triamcinolone Acetonide was better than Methotrexate in the management of localized alopecia areata, causing quicker and more complete recovery of hair growth with fewer side effects. Triamcinolone should be used as a primary intervention in localized AA.