Neißkenwirth genannt Schroeder N., Hesse L., 1Happle R.

Augenklinik, Philipps-Universität, Robert-Koch-Str. 4, 35037 Marburg; 1Hautklinik der Philipps-Universität, Deutschhausstraße 9, 35037 Marburg

Objective: Alopecia areata (AA) is with an incidence of about 0.1% one of the most frequent hair disorders. Of all patients diagnosed with AA 5 to 10 % develop the small spotted type (whole scalp) and 1 to 2 % a universalis type (whole body) with frequent loss of the eye lashes (maderosis). We investigated if topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone (DCP) promotes hair growth not only at the scalp but also at the eyelids.
Methods: Seven patients with AA and madarosis were included who already had sclap treatment with DCP. Various concentrations of DCP (10-5% to 2%, increasing until contact eczema occurs) were applied once weekly onto the eye lid edge, remaining for 2 days. After occurance of the characteristic and desired contact eczema, application was continued once weekly by the patient. Duration of therapy was between 1.0 to 1.5 years and lash growth was consecutively controlled.
Results: Application was aborted by 2 patients since no contact eczema developed and in one patient due to non-compliance. In the remaining 4 patients a continuous growth of the lashes was observed. In one patient these lashes regenerated sufficiently and were lost later in the course of the disease under therapy. Side effects were not observed (e.g. conjunctival provoking).
Conclusions: Topical immunotherapy with DCP in AA with madarosis promotes a regeneration of eye lashes. The cosmetic aspect and the mechanical protection by regrown eye lashes against foreign bodies motivate patients to use this type of lengthy therapy.

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