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Topical Pentoxifylline; Metformin Versus Betamethasone in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: a Clinical and Dermoscopic Study.

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What is being tested

Betamethasone Valerate 0.1% Cream

+ Pentoxifylline

+ Metformin

Drug
Who is being recruted

Alopecia+3

+ Alopecia Areata

+ Hair Diseases

From 6 to 60 Years
+10 Eligibility Criteria
See all eligibility criteria
How is the trial designed

Treatment Study

Phase 1
Interventional
Study Start: October 2023
See protocol details

Summary

Principal SponsorAssiut University
Study ContactAlaa A. Moubasher, bachelorMore contacts
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Study start date: October 1, 2023

Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches, and it can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. This study aims to explore new treatments for this condition by comparing the effects of topical applications of Pentoxifylline and Metformin against the commonly used Betamethasone. These treatments are being tested because they have shown potential benefits in managing autoimmune responses, which are believed to be a key factor in alopecia areata. The goal is to find more effective ways to help people with alopecia areata regain hair and improve their quality of life, as the condition can severely impact self-esteem and social interactions. Participants in the study will apply topical forms of Pentoxifylline, Metformin, or Betamethasone to the affected areas of their scalp. The study will monitor changes in hair regrowth and evaluate any changes in the condition of the scalp. By measuring how well each of these treatments works, researchers hope to determine which treatment is most effective and has the fewest side effects. Since alopecia areata can cause significant emotional distress, identifying a better treatment option could provide much-needed relief for those affected.

Official TitleTopical Pentoxifylline; Metformin Versus Betamethasone in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: a Clinical and Dermoscopic Study.
NCT06087796
Principal SponsorAssiut University
Study ContactAlaa A. Moubasher, bachelorMore contacts
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Sourced from a government-validated database.Claim as a partner

Protocol

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
Design Details

60 patients to be enrolled

Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.

Treatment Study

These studies test new ways to treat a disease, condition, or health issue. The goal is to see if a new drug, therapy, or approach works better or has fewer side effects than existing options.



Eligibility

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Conditions
Criteria

Any sex

Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.

From 6 to 60 Years

Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.

Healthy volunteers not allowed

If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.

Conditions

Pathology

AlopeciaAlopecia AreataHair DiseasesHypotrichosisSkin DiseasesSkin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Criteria

2 inclusion criteria required to participate
A clinical diagnosis of patchy alopecia areata of scalp involving < 50% of the total scalp confirmed by dermoscopy of both males and females.

patients age between 6 and 60 years old.

8 exclusion criteria prevent from participating
Alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.

Cicatricial alopecia.

Other causes of hair loss such as; endocrine or immunological disease.

Skin disease in the affected area.

Show More Criteria

Study Plan

Find out more about all the medication administered in this study, their detailed description and what they involve.
Treatment Groups
Study Objectives

3 intervention groups are designated in this study

This study does not include a placebo group 

Treatment Groups

Group I

Active Comparator
Group A will include 20 patients and will receive topical betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream. Treatment will be applied twice daily for 6 months or until complete resolution, whichever is sooner.

Group II

Experimental
Group B will include 20 patients who will receive topical pentoxifylline 2% gel. Treatment will be applied twice daily for 6 months or until complete resolution, whichever is sooner.

Group III

Experimental
Group C will include 20 patients who will receive topical metformin 10% gel. Treatment will be applied twice daily for 6 months or until complete resolution, whichever is sooner.

Study Objectives

Primary Objectives

Study Centers

These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.

This study has 1 location

Suspended

Assiut university

Asyut, EgyptOpen Assiut university in Google Maps
SuspendedOne Study Center