A study to evaluate the efficacy of various topical treatment modalities for alopecia areata.

Context: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common form of non-scarring hair disorder of unclear etiology. The disease may have serious psychological effect.

Aims: The objective is to assess the therapeutic effect and side effects of various topical modalities for the treatment of AA.

Settings And Design: Open, randomized, comparative study.

Materials And Methods: For this study, 30 patients were included of all age groups and both sexes having localized (<5 patches and <25% scalp involvement) alopecia, with no underlying disease or family history, and who had not received any treatment before. They were treated sequentially with 5 different combination regimes for 3 months. The response was assessed subjectively as well as objectively by the "Severity of Alopecia Tool Score".

Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test.

Results: Out of the 5 modalities studied, the Intralesional and Topical Steroids were the most effective with no significant side effects.

Conclusions: Among the various topical modalities used for the treatment of AA, the most effective are the Intralesional and Topical steroids with no significant side-effects.