Role of platelet rich plasma therapy in the treatment of alopecia areata and atrophic acne scars

Alopecia areata and atrophic acne scars are conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality due to its high concentration of growth factors. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in alopecia areata and acne scars. This was a prospective observational study conducted on 50 patients each of alopecia areata and atrophic acne scars treated with intradermal PRP injections at monthly intervals for 6 months. Alopecia areata severity was assessed using a SALT score. Acne scars were graded as per Goodman and Baron's quantitative scar grading system. In alopecia areata patients, the mean SALT score reduced significantly from 35±6 at baseline to 22±3 at 6 months post-treatment (p<0.001). At the study's conclusion, 66% of patients had complete hair regrowth, while 20% had partial and 14% had no regrowth. Higher grade 3 and 4 scars reduced significantly from 86% to 8% (p<0.001). For acne scars, patients with grade 1 scars increased from 0% to 74% after PRP therapy. Mild adverse effects like pain and erythema were seen. PRP therapy showed statistically significant improvement in SALT scores in alopecia areata and acne scar grades over 6 months. It was well-tolerated. PRP can be considered an effective, safe, and economic treatment modality for chronic alopecia areata and atrophic acne scars with sustained benefits.