The use of topical steroids in the treatment of alopecia areata in children is common practice. However, no particular potency of steroid is accepted as the standard treatment due to the paucity of high quality evidence in the dermatology literature to substantiate their use. Two randomized controlled trials exist assessing topical steroid efficacy in this disorder, both have methodological limitations. The question remains as to which topical steroid is safe and efficacious for use. We performed a double blinded controlled trial to assess the usefulness of a class 1 topical steroid (clobestasol proprionate 0.05%) compared with a class 7 topical steroid (hydrocortisone 1%) in children with alopecia areata.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
41
Topical cream, used twice daily for 6 weeks on affected area, followed by 6 weeks of no treatment, followed by an additional 6 weeks of the same intervention.
Topical cream, used twice daily for 6 weeks on affected area, followed by 6 weeks of no treatment, followed by an additional 6 weeks of the same intervention.
The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Change in scalp surface area affected over time
The change in scalp surface area affected will be compared between the two intervention groups from baseline to 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Change in scalp surface area affected from baseline to end of study
The percent change in scalp surface area affected on the scalp will be compared between the intervention groups from baseline to 24 weeks.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Over 50% reduction in scalp surface area affected
The number of subjects who had over 50% reduction in scalp surface area affected from baseline to 24 weeks will be compared between the intervention groups.
Time frame: 24 weeks
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