Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Introduction Classic treatment options for patients with alopecia areata (AA) include intralesional and topical steroids as well as oral immunotherapy. Although these options can be effective for some patients, topical therapies are often inconvenient, and there can be many side effects with oral medications. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation of concentrated platelets that is an emerging therapy for various conditions such as chronic nonhealing wounds, muscle injuries, and, more recently, hair loss. Case Presentation A 71-year-old woman with diffuse hair loss diagnosed previously as AA presented to our clinic after nonresponse to topical steroids and adverse events with topical minoxidil use. At our clinic, the patient underwent three treatments with PRP injections. Total hair regrowth without relapse was noted 6 months after treatment cessation. Discussion/Conclusion Our case illustrates a situation in which PRP served as an effective, rapid, and safe treatment option in a patient with AA who was unresponsive to previous standard therapies and feared side effects of oral medications.