Effects of psoralen-UV-A-Turban in alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND

Psoralen-UV-A (PUVA)-turban is a modification of PUVA-bath therapy used in alopecia areata.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of PUVA-turban in different forms of alopecia areata. Twenty patients completed the study: nine with alopecia areata vulgaris and 11 with alopecia areata totalis or universalis.

METHODS

8-methoxypsoralen in a dilution of 0.0001% (1 mg/L) was administered to the scalp for 20 minutes using a cotton towel as a turban. The application was followed by UV-A radiation. Treatments were performed two or three times weekly. The cumulative doses ranged from 48.2-253.4 J/cm2, and single fractions ranged from 0.3-6.5 J/cm2.

RESULTS

Hair regrowth was observed in 15 patients (total regrowth in six patients and partial regrowth in nine patients). Five patients did not respond to the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

PUVA-turban was significantly more effective in alopecia areata vulgaris than in alopecia areata totalis or universalis and proved to be a safe, well tolerated method without the systemic side effects of PUVA.