Treatment of alopecia areata with topical garlic extract

Abstract EN

BACKGROUND : Alopecia areata is a non scarring localized hair fall, probably of autoimmune ateology, that responds to treatment with many topically applied irritant substances.

Garlic had been known for a long time by its unique chemical composition that has many pharmacological implications. AIM of STUDY :To determine the efficacy of topical garlic extract in the treatment of alopecia areata. PATIENTS and METHODS : Ten patients complaining of single or multiple patches of alopecia areata on the scalp region (total of 18 patches) were enrolled in this study from July 2006 to July 2007, in the out patient clinic in Najaf city.

All patches were treated by topical garlic extract twice daily, for two months.

Re-growth of terminal coarse hairs was evaluated every two weeks. RESULTS : Four females and six males were studied, their ages ranged from 10 – 45 years (mean 27 yrs.).

Total of 18 patches of alopecia areata were treated.

All patients (100 %) responded to this treatment.

Hair growth started by the end of second week in eight patches (44.4 %), within four weeks in seven patches (38.9 %), and within six weeks in three patches (16.7%).

Erythema was observed in all patients, in addition to itching in 8 patches (44.4 %) and burning sensation in 5 patches (27.7 %). CONCLUSIONS : Garlic is an efficient and rapid topical treatment for alopecia areata.

It is cheep, available and with negligible side effects.