Contact immunotherapy for hair loss
Alopecia areata is hair loss caused when the immune system attacks hair follicles
, where hair growth begins. Contact immunotherapy is an experimental therapy that may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata.1 A common medication 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.
A review of research on contact immunotherapy notes that about half of those with severe alopecia areata had a good response, but how much hair grew back varied widely.2
Side effects of contact immunotherapy include a severe rash (contact dermatitis) and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
| Author: | Carrie Henley Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 22, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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