Original article: Platelet‐rich plasma with microneedling in androgenetic alopecia along with dermoscopic pre‐ and post‐treatment evaluation

Abstract

Summary Background Platelet‐rich plasma has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of androgenic alopecia with its growth factor properties in accelerating the dermal papilla. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive method that allows the in vivo evaluation of microstructures not visible to the naked eye. Objective To ascertain the role of platelet‐rich plasma ( PRP ) with microneedling, and to compare the pre‐ and post‐treatment dermoscopic features in androgenetic alopecia. ( AGA ). Method Patients with mild to moderate AGA , aged 18‐45 years with Hamilton‐Norwood score 1‐5 were included in both study and control group. Dermoscopy was performed using Dermlite II hybrid m; 3Gen dermoscope at 10× magnification in polarized mode, and photographs were taken. Those not responding or those not having any new hair growth to conventional therapy for at least 1 year were included. The study group were given autologous platelet‐rich plasma injections with microneedling over a period of 3 months at 3 weekly interval. Baseline and post‐treatment photographs were taken. Result Hair growth started after the first session. The patients’ satisfaction was more than 75% in 18 patients, on patients’ subjective hair growth assessment scale. In post‐ PRP ‐treated patients of AGA , increase in the number of vellus and total hairs, increased hair shaft diameter, and reduction in yellow dots were appreciated after 3 sessions. Hair pull test was negative after treatment in 14 patients (70%). Conclusion This study reinforces the importance of dermoscopy in not only aiding in the diagnosis, but also in evaluation of pre‐ and post‐treatment response of AGA .