Latanoprost for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata of Eyelashes

Abstract

Background: Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F 2a analogue, is an intraocular pressure lowering drug used in the treatment of glaucoma. Increase in eyelash number, length, pigmentation, curvature is reported after using topical Latanoprost in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Latanoprost ophthalmic solution on eyelash regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.Methods: Fifteen patients with alopecia areata and bilateral eyelash involvement, who showed excellent response to diphencyprone therapy, entered the study to be treated with Latanoprost ophthalmic solution. In each patient, one eye was randomly treated with Latanoprost daily over 3 months. To assess the eyelash changes, patients were followed up monthly. Results: Ten patients completed the study. Two patients had significant eyelash regrowth of both eyes. One patient showed eyelash regrowth on upper eyelid of the eye treated with Latanoprost. Conclusion: In this study, Latanoprost was not effective in treatment of alopecia areata of eyelashes. It is advisable to evaluate the efficacy of higher concentration and/or more frequent application of the Latanoprost with an appropriate vehicle for the treatment of alopecia areata of eyelashes.