Contact Immunotherapy for Hair Loss
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Alopecia areata is
hair loss caused when the immune system attacks
hair follicles, where hair growth begins. Contact immunotherapy may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata.footnote 1 A common medicine used is
diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP).
DPCP, a liquid, is "painted" on the scalp once a week. The
concentration of the solution is increased at each treatment session until a
mild
allergic reaction occurs. Hair growth may appear
within 3 months of beginning treatment.
Side effects of contact immunotherapy include a severe rash (contact dermatitis) and swollen
lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
References
Citations
- Hague J, Berth-Jones J (2010). Alopecia areata. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies, 3rd ed., pp. 31-35. Edinburgh: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Current as ofOctober 13, 2016
Current as of:
October 13, 2016
Hague J, Berth-Jones J (2010). Alopecia areata. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies, 3rd ed., pp. 31-35. Edinburgh: Saunders Elsevier.