Efficacy and tolerance of 2,3-diphenylcyclopropenone in propylene glycol versus 2,3-diphenylcyclopropenone in isopropanol – a novel formula designed for the treatment of alopecia areata

Abstract

Introduction: Topical immunotherapy of alopecia areata (AA) with contact allergens including 2,3-diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) have been used for few decades. Aim: The study introduces a new preparation of DCP in isopropanol for the purpose of the treatment of AA. The aim of the study was to compare new formula with the previously used DCP in propylene glycol. Two groups of twenty patients each, treated with new and old formula respectively were observed for one year. Treatment efficacy and tolerance was then measured and compared. Result: All but one patient responded to the study with partial or complete hair regrowth. Results show improvement after the treatment in both groups with 75% and 85% of patients with cosmetically acceptable hair amount (grades 1 and 2 in the hair loss scale) in DCP in isopropanole and DCP in propylene glycol groups respectively. Complete hair regrowth was obtained in 35% and 25% of patients respectively. Differences in treatment’s efficacy between groups were not statistically important (p = 0.95). Tolerance was generally good but significantly better (p= 0.17) in a group treated with DCP in isopropanol. Discussion: DCP solutions in isopropanol may have potential in the treatment of alopecia areata. Treatment efficacy in both groups (DCP in propylene glycol and DCP in isopropanol) was the same. Tolerance of the DCP in isopropanol was significantly better than DCP in propylene glycol. Despite better tolerance of DCP in isopropanol during the proper treatment, the sensitization with 3% DCP should be done with the solution in propylene glycol.

Keywords

• Alopecia areata; 2
• 3-diphenylcyclopropenone; DCP