Superficial Cryotherapy Versus Microneedling in Alopecia Areata

Comparative Study Between the Effect of Superficial Cryotherapy Using Dimethyl Ether and Propane Mixture and Microneedling in Treatment of Alopecia Areata

This study is randomized comparative analytical prospective study that included patients with mild and moderate alopecia areata. Patients was divided into two groups Patients in the first group underwent Superficial cryotherapy using dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP) at -57C (Cryotherapy group). Patients in the second group underwent Microneedling (Microneedling group). A total of six sessions were done at 2 weeks interval. Patients were followed-up for next 3 months to evaluate the persistence of hair regrowth after therapy. Patients were assessed at baseline and during follow up using photography, Dermoscopy, SALT score and regrowth scale.

Patients will be divided into two groups (randomly assigned and comparably cross matched for age and sex) Cryotherapy group (No.= 50): Superficial cryotherapy using dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP) at -57C Microneedling group (No. = 50): Microneedling

Patients underwent superficial cryotherapy using dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP) at -57C very 2 weeks for maximum six sessions

Under aseptic precautions, the dermapen was moved on the alopecic patches diagonally, vertically and horizontally 4 to 5 times in each direction Pin point bleeding was taken as an end point

0 score (regrowth < 10%) no response score (regrowth 11-25%) poor response score (regrowth 26-50%) fair response score (regrowth 51-75%) satisfactory response score (regrowth ≥ 75%) excellent response.

SALT score is the sum of the percentage of hair loss in all the abovementioned areas. For example, if the percentage hair loss in vertex, right profile, left profile, and posterior aspect is 20, 30, 40, and 50% respectively; then, SALT score = (20 × 0.4) = (30 × 0.18) + (40 × 0.18) + (50 × 0.24) = 8 + 5.4 + 7.2 + 12 = 32.6.

Inclusion Criteria: ِAlopecia areata patients Exclusion Criteria: Alopecia totalis and universalis ِAge less than four years. ِPregnancy or breast-feeding. ِActive infection at the site alopecia patch(s). ِInflammation ate site of the alopecia patches ِIntolerance to cold. ِAssociated systemic illness such as thyroid, pernicious anaemia, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune connective tissue diseases. ِPrevious treatment for alopecia areata over the last three months.