Topical Metformin Compared with Clobetasol Propionate for Alopecia Areata: Clinical Outcomes from a Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is alopecia of   non-scarring type caused by autoimmune mechanism and affect any area in the body bearded with hair to be demonstrated with various patterns.

Objectives: Our purpose of this research was to assess the safety and effectiveness of topical metformin 30% versus clobetasol propionate 0.05% in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata.

Methods: 34 adult individuals with patchy alopecia areata participated in a randomized clinical trial and were categorized into two Groups: group (I) 17 participants for 12 weeks, metformin 30% was applied twice daily and group (II) 17 participants for 12 weeks, clobetasol propionate 0.05% was administered twice daily. The 5-point semiquantitative regrowth score (RGS), SALT score and dermoscopic examination were done to evaluate the therapeutic response.3-12-0 

Results: At week 12, the median hair regrowth score for the metformin group was 2, whereas the clobetasol propionate group was 5. There were no differences of significant importance regarding hair regrowth between the two groups with p-value = 0.133. Significant reductions in SALT score were observed in the two groups and the reductions were mostly observed in group clobetasol propionate 0.05%. 

Conclusion: topical metformin represents a promising and well tolerated option in alopecia areata treatment. Despite that the effects of metformin 30% and clobetasol propionate 0.05%, were not different but clobetasol was more effective than metformin 30% in treating localized alopecia areata.