Open AccessApplication of Topical Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Review and Update
Author(s) -
Thipprapai Mahasaksiri,
Chaninan Kositkuljorn,
Tanaporn Anuntrangsee,
Poonkiat Suchonwanit
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
drug design, development and therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1177-8881
DOI - 10.2147/dddt.s297858
Subject(s) - alopecia areata , medicine , tolerability , immunotherapy , dermatology , drug , food and drug administration , pharmacology , immunology , adverse effect , immune system
Treatment of extensive or recalcitrant alopecia areata (AA) is a major clinical challenge. Even after thorough investigation of several medications, its treatment outcomes have remained unsatisfactory. While there is no US Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for AA yet, topical immunotherapy has been a well-documented treatment option. Dinitrochlorobenzene, squaric acid dibutylester, and diphenylcyclopropenone are three substances that have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of extensive or recalcitrant AA. Despite being commonly used, the mechanism underlying topical immunotherapy is not well-elucidated and a wide range of clinical efficacies have been reported in the literature. The aim of this review was to summarize and update the pharmacology, mechanism of action, therapeutic efficacy, and tolerability of topical immunotherapy in the treatment of AA.