A Comparative Study of Efficacy of Vitamin D Replacement Therapy versus Intralesional Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, relapsing immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting hair follicles which leads to a sudden loss of hair in patches on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. Our study aim was to determine the degree of response to Vitamin D replacement therapy in comparison with intra-lesional triamcinolone in patients of alopecia areata. Methodology: A randomized control trial conducted over 12 months from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022, at skin center of a tertiary care hospital among 56 confirmed cases of alopecia areata who were randomly allocated to two groups of 28 each. In the first group, Vitamin D was given orally at a dose of vitamin D 60000 IU / weekly for period of 12 weeks and then monthly for 3 months. In second group, Inj. triamcinolone acetonide 5 mg/ml was given intradermally over area of hair loss on intervals of 21 days each, over a total period of three months. Visual analog scale (VAS) and tricoscan were used to assess the result at the end of 6 months and 1 year after enrollment. Results: The mean hair density and percentage of increase in hair density at the end of 6 and 12 months of treatment was found to be significantly high among the patients in triamcinolone acetonide group as compared to those in Vitamin D group. Potential hair regrowth was also observed with Vitamin D administration among alopecia areata patients with deficient serum vitamin D levels. Conclusions: Conventional Intralesional Triamcinolone acetonide is effective than Vitamin D administration in alopecia areata patients. However, significant improvement was noted in patients who are administered with Vitamin D also