Alopecia areata is a prevalent autoimmune skin disease with no cure or indicated treatment options. In the absence of an approved treatment, some patients are eager to try unconventional therapies. Recently emerging unconventional therapies for alopecia areata discussed include low-dose naltrexone.

J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2018 Jan;19(1):S32-S33.

Emerging Unconventional Therapies for Alopecia Areata.

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Topical Melatonin for Androgenetic Alopecia

In the search for alternative agents to oral finasteride and topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), melatonin has been identified as a promising candidate based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Stressful influences such as UV radiation, smoking, and environmental pollutants lead to the formation of free radicals, resulting in damage to hair follicles. Melatonin may counteract the oxidative stress due to its strong anti-oxidant properties.

The authors concluded that topical application of a melatonin solution can be considered as a treatment option in androgenetic alopecia. In addition, a decrease in seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp was observed.

Br J Dermatol. 2004 Feb;150(2):341-5.

Melatonin increases anagen hair rate in women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

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Int J Trichology. 2012 Oct;4(4):236-45.

Topical melatonin for treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

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