Treatment of autoimmune scalp diseases with intralesional corticosteroides

Hair loss or scalp changes are often caused by autoimmune processes in which the immune system attacks the body’s own hair follicles. This results in hair thinning or loss, usually in one or more patches, as seen in conditions such as alopecia areata.

In such cases, following a detailed medical examination, the doctor may recommend intralesional corticosteroid therapy which reduces inflammation and thereby promotes hair regrowth.

What does intralesional corticosteroid treatment for the scalp Involve? 

Intralesional corticosteroid treatment for the scalp is a medical procedure that involves injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the scalp tissue affected by alopecia or another inflammatory condition.

It is an effective therapeutic method used to treat various autoimmune scalp diseases such as alopecia areata, frontal fibrosing alopecia, discoid lupus, lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and more rarely for persistent scalp psoriasis or other inflammatory dermatoses that cause itching, redness or hair loss.

What does the procedure look like? 

Before starting treatment a thorough scalp examination is needed to determine if you are a suitable candidate for this therapy. During the procedure small doses of corticosteroids are injected directly into the areas of hair loss (lesions) using a fine insulin needle. The procedure is minimally invasive and is typically repeated at intervals of several weeks over a defined period to achieve the desired results.

Treatment results 

Recovery after the procedure is quick, and most patients do not experience significant discomfort. Results are usually noticeable after 2 to 3 weeks, while optimal outcomes require treatment to be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks until symptoms resolve or hair regrows.

With regular follow-ups and the application of additional treatments if necessary, the condition of the scalp can significantly improve, and symptoms can be reduced. Scalp conditions should not be ignored. It is important to address them promptly and begin treatment as early as possible.