Comparative Study of Oral Zinc Sulphate 5mg/kg/day And Topical salicylic Acid 2% in Alcohol In The Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral zinc sulphate 5mg/kg/day, with Topical Salicylic Acid 2% in alcohol in the   treatment of alopecia areata.

Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients with a diagnosis of AA were enrolled. 33 patients of them completed the study and they were instructed to recieve either oral zinc sulphate 5mg/kg/day in three divided doses (15 patients) or topical salicylic 2% in alcohol once a day (18 patients). Patients were asked to review periodically once a month until the end of the three-month treatment period, to assess treatment response and side effects of treatment.

Results: Statistically, oral zinc sulphate was more effective than topical salicylic  acid 2% in reaching full recovery at the end of treatment. Side effects included mild digestive upset in 3 of the zinc sulfate group.

Conclusions: According to our study, treatment with oral zinc sulfate 5 mg/kg/day was more effective than topical salicylic acid 2% in treating alopecia areata.