Contact Immunotherapy for Hair LossCurrent as of: October 5, 2017 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology |
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Contact Immunotherapy for Hair LossTopic OverviewAlopecia areata is hair loss caused when the immune system attacks hair follicles , where hair growth begins. Contact immunotherapy may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata. footnote 1 A common medicine used is diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP). DPCP, a liquid, is "painted" on the scalp once a week. The concentration of the solution is increased at each treatment session until a mild allergic reaction occurs. Hair growth may appear within 3 months of beginning treatment. Side effects of contact immunotherapy include a severe rash ( contact dermatitis ) and swollen lymph nodes , especially in the neck. Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofOctober 5, 2017
Current as of: October 5, 2017 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Ellen K. Roh, MD - Dermatology Hague J, Berth-Jones J (2010). Alopecia areata. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies, 3rd ed., pp. 31-35. Edinburgh: Saunders Elsevier.
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