My doctor prescribed Advantan for my alopecia areata on my scalp, which is a topical steroid.

Question

Should I be worried with stretch marks and other issues?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

I recommend that you be evaluated by a hair specialist. There is a lot of activity in terms of treatments and research. We now know that several conditions may be associated with alopecia areata. Vitamin D deficiency may occur at a higher rate in these patients. Alopecia areata has had new developments in treatments. Clinical reports have shown that Allegra antihistamine as well as Zocor, the cholesterol drug, may be helpful. Topical steroids and intralesional injections have been the mainstay of treatment . The development of stretch marks is not common on the scalp. If the alopecia areata gets severe, a  class of drugs called J a kinase inhibitors has proven to be successful in certain groups.Hope this helps. Good luck.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There are potential side effects with any medication. It is important to be aware of what the side effects are and also what are the chances of getting that side effects. Stretch marks from topical steroids are possible but uncommon for patients with alopecia areata. Part of it depends on how much you use and the potency of the topical steroid. Be sure to speak to your physician about any concerns.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Alopecia areata requires an expert dermatologist to treat it. It may respond to topical steroids. This is a genetic disease that goes into cycles in some people and steroids may induce remission. For men with this disease, we use a cosmetic treatment called scalp micropigmentation (see an example of such a patient below in the web reference.

My doctor prescribed Advantan for my alopecia areata on my scalp, which is a topical steroid.

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My doctor prescribed Advantan for my alopecia areata on my scalp, which is a topical steroid.

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