The Efficacy of Latanoprost in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Eyelashes and Eyebrows

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Resident, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center And Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine And Student Research committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Professor, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center And Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Iran

Abstract

Background: Latanoprost is an analogue of prostaglandin F2a which is used to treat glaucoma. Increases in eyelash number, thickness, and pigmentation have been reported as latanoprost side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate if topical use of this drug can be used as a treatment of alopecia areata of eyebrows and eyelashes or not.Methods: In an experimental study, 26 patients with symmetrical eyelash and eyebrow alopecia areata were treated over 4 months. While one side of each patient's face was treated with topical latanoprost, the other side was left untreated. At the end of the treatment, the results were compared.Findings: Only one of the latanoprost-treated cases showed partial hair regrowth on the treated side. The relationship between hair regrowth and latanoprost application was not statistically significant (P = 1.0) according to Fisher's exact test.Conclusion: Based on our findings, topical latanoprost is not effective in the treatment of alopecia areata. More studies with larger sample size, longer duration, and higher concentration of medication are suggested.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 173 - Serial Number 173
November and December 2012
Pages 3003-3007

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 March 2012
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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