Bimatoprost: a potential therapeutic tool for alopecia areata of the scalp

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that targets the hair follicle. There are several therapeutic modalities used to treat AA with variable outcomes. Hypertrichosis of eyelashes has been reported as a regular phenomenon associated with ophthalmic prostaglandin and prostamide analogs. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of bimatoprost 0.03% (prostamide analog) solution as a new therapeutic modality for scalp AA. Patients and methods Fifteen adult patients with AA of the scalp were included in this study. Patients receiving systemic or topical immunomodulatory treatment for AA within 3 months before the study were excluded. The Severity of Alopecia Tool score was calculated for each patient, and those with S1 ( 25% hair loss) were included. Each patient was instructed to apply bimatoprost 0.03% solution twice daily to an AA patch for 3 months. The clinical response was documented by digital photography. Results Thirteen patients (86.7%) responded to the treatment. Cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth was achieved in six patients (40%). The Severity of Alopecia Tool score was significantly reduced in all responders after 3 months of bimatoprost therapy (P = 0.01). Hair regrowth started to occur after a mean time of 2.870 ±1.541 weeks. No side effects were observed by the physician or the patients throughout the study period. One patient experienced recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion Bimatoprost is a potentially effective treatment for the scalp AA. Larger scale studies, longer treatment duration, and higher concentration are required.