Intralesional Cyclosporine for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes non-scarring, focal areas of hair loss. Due to its resulting disfigurement and unpredictable course, it is recognized as a serious medical condition with severe emotional and psychosocial distress, including a high prevalence of depression and anxiety.1-4 Treatment options for alopecia areata are limited. Cyclosporine has been used as an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, the use of oral cyclosporine, alone or in combination with other agents, has been used in the management of a multitude of dermatologic conditions, including alopecia areata, pyoderma gangrenosum, chronic idiopathic purpura, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, Behcet disease, dermatomyositis, among others.8 Although cyclosporine has demonstrated efficacy in the management of these diseases, systemic side effects of oral cyclosporine often limit its long-term use. However, intralesional injections of cyclosporine have not been investigated. Through this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study, the study team aims to evaluate the safety, dosing, and efficacy of intralesional cyclosporine for use in the treatment of alopecia areata. The study team expects about 12 people at UC Davis to take part in this research. The study itself includes 11 visits and will last about 12 weeks.