Role of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) in alopecia areata: A literature review

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, and its specific cause is not  fully determined. This disease affects the patients physically, psychologically, and cosmetically. Treatment of AA is not curative, but controls or limits the disease course. Most treatment modalities are an immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agent, which are associated with increased side effects. PRP has been used in aesthetics and dermatology, especially for wound repair. Improvement characterized by hair growth has been reported in several studies. Hair growth improvement with PRP is an effective procedure for AA without any allergic reaction. Epidermal proliferation, induction of angiogenesis, and stimulation of the growth of follicular bulge cells were also reported. Despite showing the efficacy of PRP in AA, it is necessary to carry out randomized clinical trials and long-term evaluations to support the efficacy of therapy.