Evaluation of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and Platelet‐Rich Plasma Therapy in Patients With Mild Patch‐Type Alopecia Areata
Ramazan Ülker, İlknur Yorğun Özdemir, Hatice Uce ÖzkolABSTRACT
Introduction
Alopecia areata is a long‐term autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in approximately 2% of people but does not result in permanent scarring. Intralesional corticosteroid treatment provides effective results; however, long‐term use may lead to skin atrophy and telangiectasia. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood‐derived preparation, represents a patient‐specific alternative that avoids steroid‐related side effects.
Objectives
To compare the efficacy and safety of intralesional PRP and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ILTA) in patients with mild patch‐type (S1) alopecia areata.
Methods
This prospective study included patients aged 18–65 years with mild patch‐type alopecia areata who were admitted to our clinic between March 2024 and March 2025 and had not received any previous treatment. Patients were allocated into two groups; both groups received a total of three sessions of treatment every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in SALT score from baseline to the 6th month. Secondary endpoints included the change in SALT score at the 3rd month, clinical response categories, hair pull test conversion, relapse rate during 6‐month follow‐up, and the adverse‐event profile. SALT scores were calculated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
Results
Sixty patients (41 males, 19 females; mean age 27.97 ± 7.36 years) completed the study. SALT scores decreased significantly in both groups ( p < 0.001). The score decreased from 6.03 to 0.93 in the PRP group and from 6.07 to 1.27 in the ILTA group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (mean difference 0.30; 95% CI −0.77 to 1.37; p = 0.576). The very good response rate (≥ 75% improvement) at six months was 76.67% in the PRP group and 66.67% in the ILTA group. Relapse occurred in 3 of 60 patients (5.0%) during the 6‐month follow‐up (1/30 (3.33%) in the PRP group and 2/30 (6.67%) in the ILTA group). Both groups experienced only mild adverse events; no serious side effects were observed.
Conclusions
In mild untreated patch‐type alopecia areata, PRP showed similar efficacy to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and may be considered an alternative treatment option for mild patch‐type alopecia areata.