Question

Initial therapy of alopecia areata most often includes:

a) Topical corticosteroids
b) Oral antibiotics
c) Radiation therapy
d) Surgical excision

Answer 1

Topical corticosteroids (option a) are the most common initial treatment for alopecia areata, aiming to reduce inflammation and encourage hair regrowth. Other medications may be used in combination if the condition progresses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial therapy of alopecia areata most often includes topical corticosteroids. These medications are applied directly to the scalp and can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair regrowth. While other treatments are available, such as ketoconazole shampoo, oral 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride, and minoxidil, corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment.



These treatments may be used alone or in combination, especially in cases where hair loss continues to progress or additional regrowth is desired after one year of treatment. These treatments typically work better in preventing further hair loss rather than regrowing hair that is already lost.