• Mon-Sat (10am - 7pm)
    Sun (Closed)
  • +91- 96193 64666
    +91-98200 84860
    Call Us

DO ILS (INTRALESIONAL STEROID) HELP WITH HAIR LOSS? FIND OUT HERE

What is it?
Intralesional Steroid (ILS) injections, specifically triamcinolone acetonide, are a proven treatment for Alopecia Areata (AA) and other forms of hair loss. This therapy targets areas of hair loss, promoting hair regrowth by reducing inflammation and stimulating the hair follicles.

Who is it for?
ILS injections are most effective for patients with less than 75% hair loss, those with early-stage alopecia, or individuals experiencing localized patches of hair loss. The treatment is particularly beneficial for patients with exclamation point hairs or a positive hair pull test, as these indicate ongoing follicular inflammation.

Effectiveness:

  • Best Results: ILS works best for those with mild to moderate Alopecia Areata (AA) or hair loss due to inflammation, particularly in individuals with localized patches.
  • Less Effective: For patients with severe, fast-progressing AA, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis, the response to ILS may be limited, and it may not yield significant results.
  • Evidence-Based:
    • Porter & Burton demonstrated hair regrowth in 64% to 97% of AA sites using triamcinolone acetonide.
    • Chang et al. observed positive outcomes in 6 out of 10 patients with over 50% scalp involvement.
    • A Saudi Arabian trial reported 63% of patients achieved complete regrowth with monthly ILS injections.

Procedure Overview:

  • Injection Sites: ILS is typically injected into the scalp, eyebrows, or facial areas, depending on the patient’s condition.
  • Concentration: For scalp applications, 5 mg/mL is ideal, with up to 3 mL per session. For the eyebrows, 2.5 mg/mL is used (with 0.5 mL per eyebrow).
  • Technique: A 0.5-inch, 30-gauge needle is used to inject the steroid intradermally in multiple 0.1 mL injections spaced 1 cm apart. A needle-free device, such as the DermaJet, can also be used for painless delivery.
  • Frequency: Treatments are typically administered every 4 to 6 weeks. Hair regrowth often begins to appear within 4 to 8 weeks of the first session. If no improvement is seen after 6 months, the treatment may be discontinued.

Side Effects:
ILS therapy is generally well-tolerated, but like any medical treatment, there are potential side effects:

  • Common Side Effects:
    • Pain at the injection sites
    • Skin atrophy and telangiectasia (small blood vessels)
    • Hypo/depigmentation (lightening of the skin)
    • Cushingoid features (temporary changes resembling Cushing's syndrome)
  • Transient Hair Loss: Temporary shedding may occur, but this usually resolves on its own.
  • Serious Side Effects (Rare):
    • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
    • Cataract formation or increased intraocular pressure (when injected near the eyes)

Minimizing Side Effects:

  • Avoid excessive volume in one area and superficial injections to prevent side effects like atrophy.
  • Ultrasound evaluation shows that skin atrophy is typically temporary, and the skin regains its original density over time.

Conclusion:
ILS injections are highly effective for localized, moderate hair loss and are a preferred treatment for many patients dealing with Alopecia Areata. This treatment is not recommended for individuals with advanced or total hair loss (e.g., alopecia universalis). For most patients, ILS remains one of the best options to promote hair regrowth and restore hair density.

Treatment Overview

Procedure Time

Recovery Time

Back to Work

Why Revitalis:

Revitalis, the best hair clinic in Mumbai, strives to provide fresh life and vitality to its clients. Our purpose is to treat patients with dignity and respect while providing high-quality medical care. At Revitalis, we believe that cosmetic treatment is more than just a medical procedure; it is a work of art that requires both artistic and medical understanding, as well as decades of professional experience. DR GEETANJALI SHETTY MD (the top hair specialist in Mumbai) leads the practise, which offers solutions to all hair problems, including Intralesional Steroid injection to prevent hair loss and enhance hair strength and resilience. It also offers a variety of pharmacological, laser, and surgical treatments to assist you to overcome baldness and hair loss.

Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002419/