Multi-concentration level patch test guided diphenyl cyclopropenone (DPCP) treatment in alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis

Background: Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) has proved to be effective in alopecia areata. The present study aimed to shorten the treatment duration of DPCP for achieving optimal outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of multi-concentration level patch test guided DPCP treatment against conventional protocol by measuring percentage of hair regrowth and duration of treatment. Material and Method: The scalp was divided into experimental and control sites. Conventional DPCP sensitization and experimental patch test with multi-level of DPCP concentration were applied in 20 alopecia totalis or universalis patients. The percentages of hair regrowth were evaluated. Results: Five patients achieved complete response within 34 weeks. Mean duration of the experimental sites was shorter although there was no significant difference. Reported complications of both groups were vesicle formation, generalized eczema and folliculitis. Conclusion: Patch test guided DPCP therapy may be a new regimen for alopecia areata treatment because of shortening treatment duration without increasing complications.