THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF SUPERFICIAL CRYOTHERAPY WITH LIQUID NITROGEN IN ALOPECIA AREATA

Dr Jaskanwal Kaur; Dr BB Mahajan; Jeesu J. Singh

Volume : VII, Issue : IX, September - 2018

THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF SUPERFICIAL CRYOTHERAPY WITH LIQUID NITROGEN IN ALOPECIA AREATA

Dr Jaskanwal Kaur, Dr Bb Mahajan, Jeesu J. Singh

Abstract :

Alopecia areata has lifelong potential for hair regrowth. In the above study forty patients of both sexes were enrolled. A cryocan with withdrawal apparatus is required for the storage of cryogen along with cotton tipped applicator for the procedure.Liquid nitrogen is applied by dipstick method. All the patients were followed up weekly for upto 12 weeks subjectively, objectively and photographic evaluation was done.

The therapeutic response was determined as regrowth of hair on the treated areas. At the end of 12 weeks, out of 40 patients, 25 (62.5%) patients showed complete hair growth, 10 (25%) patients had 75% hair growth, 2 ( 5%) patients had < 50% hair growth and only 3 (7.5%) patients didn�t respond at all.There are minimal side effects with cryotherapy like mild burning sensation on application, mottled pigmentation.