What are micro steroid injections?
This article refers to micro injections of steroids to stop hair loss and restore growth. The steroid medication is injected directly into skin where the hair loss is present. This keeps the effects of steroids in the area where it is needed and to reduce the chance that side effects of steroids
Hair loss conditions helped by steroid injections…
Steroid injections are used for the following forms of hair loss
• Alopecia areata of the scalp where less than 50% of the scalp area is involved
• Alopecia areata of the eyebrows
• Alopecia areata of the beard
• Lichen plano pilaris
• Frontal fibrosis alopecia
• Discoid lupus
• Folliculitis de calvans
*Steroid injections are not used for male or female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, advanced traction alopecia and other hair loss conditions which are not listed above. For those treatment options click here see article on Androgenic Alopecia in Men and Women
Benefits of steroid injections in alopecia areata?
When steroid injections are used for alopecia areata, they can help bring about regrowth. Steroid injections have been used for alopecia areata since 1950s.
• Studies from the 1970’s showed that hair regrowth was found in 71% of people with Alopecia Areata, when treated every 2 weeks for 3 times.
• In another study, 63% of those receiving monthly steroid injections found regrowth at 4 months. Regrowth was found to be more successful if there were fewer than 5 patches, if the patches were less than 3cm in diameter, and if the lesions were less than 1 month old.
• In a smaller study, 6 out of 10 patients with extensive alopecia areata that was covering more than 50% of their scalp found that steroid injections helped bring about hair growth.
Please understand that steroid injections do not cure alopecia areata but they temporarily or permanently resolve a patch. The nature of alopecia is that it can come back in the same patch or in a new area. Steroid injections help a large percentage of patients, but not everyone and results cannot be guaranteed.
Benefits of steroid injections for other hair loss conditions?
Steroid injections are used to control inflammatory conditions such as Lichen plano pilaris, Frontal fibrosis alopecia and Discoid lupus. In these conditions, steroid injection can slow down the progression of the condition and is usually given in connection with other medication – either creams or tablets.
Side Effects of steroid injections?
• Pinpoint bleeding at some injection points can be seen. Do not to disturb the area until the next day when it is OK to shampoo, shave etc.
• Mild headaches and soreness is possible but this usually settles in an hour or two with Tylenol or ibuprofen.
• Skin thinning. Steroid injections can thin the skin and the fat under the skin, and is perhaps the most important concern. This can cause the skin to appear paler and more wrinkled, and the skin can start showing thread veins. If there is thinning of the fat, then dimples can appear. Any indentations are usually on temporary and recover with time.
• Pigmentation disturbance. Very rarely, there can be loss of pigmentation at the site of steroid injection. Occasionally hyperpigmentation can be seen too.
• Acne. Acne and folliculitis type spots (pustules) can occur in an area treated with steroid injection.
• Absorption into the rest of the body. It is probable that a small amount of the steroid injected into the skin reaches the rest of the body. This is rare as small amounts are used and spaced far apart. However, side effects such as diabetes, high blood pressure, bone thinning, disturbance in the menstrual cycle and a temporary reduction in the immune system could occur. This is very rare at the doses required for hair loss
How many treatments are required?
Treatment is given every 4 weeks, for up to 6 months.
Some people only need one or two treatments, while others need the full 6 treatments. The average number of treatments is 3 to 4. Treatment is not extended beyond 6 treatments if there have been no results.
It is best to start treatments as soon as you notice a patch of hair loss.
The Procedure…
The skin is first cleaned with an antiseptic cleanser. Micro droplets of steroid using a tiny needle instill the medication evenly and takes only about 5-10 minutes for scalp or eyebrows anesthetic is offered but often not needed.
How much do steroid injections cost?
Initial consultation and $200-400 depending on size of the area/treatment
With Love,
Dr. Stefanie Maass PhD.,ENP-C, FNP, NREMT,FAARM
“Blessing sometimes show up in unrecognizable disguises”
-Janette Oke
