What is the treatment for telogen effluvium using clobetasol (corticosteroid)?

From the Guidelines

Clobetasol is not recommended as a primary treatment for telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair shedding condition caused by stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes that push hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase prematurely. The most effective treatment approach focuses on addressing the underlying trigger rather than using topical steroids like clobetasol. While clobetasol is a potent topical corticosteroid used for inflammatory scalp conditions, as seen in a study on alopecia areata where 0.05% clobetasol propionate foam showed some effectiveness in promoting hair regrowth 1, it doesn't target the physiological mechanism of telogen effluvium and may cause side effects including skin thinning, increased infection risk, and paradoxical hair loss with prolonged use.

Some key points to consider in the treatment of telogen effluvium include:

• Identifying and removing the triggering factor
• Ensuring adequate nutrition with sufficient protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins (especially biotin, vitamin D, and other B vitamins)
• Managing stress
• Allowing time for natural hair regrowth, which typically occurs within 6-9 months once the trigger is removed
• Potential use of minoxidil 5% solution to speed up recovery in some cases, although the evidence for its use in telogen effluvium is not as strong as for other forms of hair loss. If hair loss persists beyond 6 months or worsens, consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to rule out other causes of hair loss. It's also important to note that folliculitis is a common side-effect of treatment with potent topical steroids like clobetasol, as reported in studies on its use for alopecia areata 1.

From the Research

Telogen Effluvium Treatment with Clobetasol

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the use of clobetasol for the treatment of telogen effluvium.
• However, the study 2 mentions that corticosteroids, such as clobetasol, can be used in the treatment of telogen effluvium, but it does not provide specific information on its efficacy.
• Other treatment options for telogen effluvium mentioned in the studies include:
  • Minoxidil 2, 3
  • CNPDA (caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, dimethicone, and an acrylate polymer) 2
  • Oral supplementation with sulfurated aminoacids and trace elements 4
  • Botulinum toxin A injection and multivitamins mesotherapy 5
• It is essential to identify and remove the causative factors of telogen effluvium and to use a combination of treatments for effective management 2, 6.