Therapeutic Efficacy of Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy for Treatment of Alopecia Areata

Authors

  • Samia Aslam, Tuyiba Ilyas, Shaanfa Kaleem, Saadia Ilyas, Zaira Aslam, Attia Tabassum

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs22167206

Abstract

Objective: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for treatment of alopecia areata. Study Design: Descriptive Case Series. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology at Mayo Hospital, Lahore from 15-10-2020 to 14-04-2021.

Methodology: A total of 95 patients were included in the study. A photograph was obtained at baseline. Then, patients were treated with superficial liquid nitrogen cryotherapy spray once weekly for 6 weeks. A cryogun was used to spray the lesion with liquid nitrogen for 2–3 s till the appearance of mild frost. After the frozen area was thawed (3–5 s), a second spray was done in the same manner. After 6 weeks, session was stopped and patients were followed-up at 3 months and 6 months.

Results: Patients ranged between 16-70 years of age with mean age of 29.5±11.9 years. Out of 95 patients, 43 (45.3%) were male while 52 (54.7%) were female. Mean duration of disease was 9.8±4.9 months. Therapeutic efficacy of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy was found to be significant in 26 patients (27.4%). Stratification for age, gender and duration of disease was carried and no association was found (p >0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen is a therapeutic option with a good treatment outcome. It has the privilege of being a simple, convenient, short-term, and office-based technique.

Key Words: Alopecia Areata, Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy, Treatment.

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How to Cite

Samia Aslam, Tuyiba Ilyas, Shaanfa Kaleem, Saadia Ilyas, Zaira Aslam, Attia Tabassum. (2022). Therapeutic Efficacy of Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy for Treatment of Alopecia Areata. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences, 16(07), 206. https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs22167206