Efficacy of dinitrochlorobenzene in the treatment of alopecia areata

Background: Various kinds of sensitizers are administrated for alopecia areata treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment response to Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in alopecia areata patients. Method: In this study, 117 patients were treated with DNCB under a specific checklist. All patients were sensitized with a 2% DNCB and then treated with ascending DNCB concentrations (0.001%-2%). Response to treatment was categorized as none,mild, moderate and marked improvement. Result: Thirty three (27.5%) patients showed no response, 49 (40.8%) had relapse 6 months after improvement, 29 (24.2%) had no relapse 6 months after the treatment and 6 patients were excluded because they did not return for follow-up visits. Response to treatment in patients without eyelash and eyebrow involvement increased significantly (P=0.01). We did not observe any side effects except for localized dermatitis seen in 5% of the patients. Conclusion: With respect to the suitable response to DNCB application and its availability, the authors suggest that DNCB be reconsidered in alopecia areata. However, attention must be paid to its mutagenicity.