80635
document
Topical treatment of alopecia areata . It has been shown previously that alopecia areata can be treated with dinitrochlorobenzene ( DNCB ) and other contact allergens . Whether these agents work by inducing immunologic stimulation or simply a nonspecific inflammatory reaction has not been definitively demonstrated . To test the relative importance of these two mechanisms , we have randomly studied 22 patients with alopecia areata to whom either DNCB or croton oil was applied topically . Sixty-three percent of patients without spontaneous regrowth of hair regrew hair after DNCB application . None of those treated with croton oil regrew hair when treated later with DNCB . Therefore , a proved contact allergen was shown to be required for therapeutic success . Patient acceptance of the induced contact dermatitis was excellent . In light of recent data on the mutagenicity of DNCB to bacteria , other contact allergens for topical immunotherapy are being sought .
80636
Intervention_Pharmacological
Topical treatment
80637
Intervention_Pharmacological
dinitrochlorobenzene ( DNCB )
80638
Intervention_Pharmacological
contact allergens
80639
Intervention_Pharmacological
DNCB
80640
Intervention_Pharmacological
croton oil
80641
Intervention_Pharmacological
croton oil
80642
Intervention_Pharmacological
DNCB
80643
Intervention_Pharmacological
DNCB
80644
Outcome_Physical
regrowth of hair regrew hair
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Outcome_Physical
None
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Outcome_Physical
regrew hair
80647
Outcome_Mental
Patient acceptance
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Participant_Condition
22 patients with alopecia areata to whom either DNCB or croton oil was applied topically .