CASE REPORT
A 15-year-old white male presented with a 3-week history
of hair loss affecting his entire scalp (Figure 1). His past
medical history was significant for atopic dermatitis.
There was no family history of hair loss. On physical examination,
he had complete alopecia of his entire scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes,
and truncal hair. The follicular ostia were intact. His nails
were normal. Based on his history and examination findings, the
patient was diagnosed with alopecia universalis. Immunotherapy
with squaric acid was felt to be an appropriate treatment, given
the extensive scalp involvement and associated discomfort of intralesional
steroids and risks of immunosuppressant medications.
The patient was sensitized to squaric acid by applying a 2% solution
in acetone to an outlined 2 × 2 cm area on his hip. He kept
the area dry and removed the bandage after 24 hours. He was
warned of the potential eczematous reaction and was given a
class I topical steroid. He returned in 2 to 3 weeks to check the
site for the expected inflammatory reaction. Approximately 2%
to 3% of patients cannot be made allergic to the compound,
and the sensitization process can be repeated if there is no reaction.
After he manifested an eczematous response, squaric
acid in acetone in dilute solutions of 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, and
1% were applied to 4 sites on the volar aspects of the arms (Figure
2). The goal is to identify the concentration of squaric acid
that produces a mild eczematous reaction, evidenced by lowgrade
erythema and mild pruritus. This concentration is then
applied to the areas of alopecia weekly. If there is no regrowth
after 24 weeks, the treatment should be discontinued.
Our patient had an excellent response and recovered completely
(Figure 3). He stopped applying squaric acid after
about 9 months and had no relapse for 1 year, after which he
was lost to follow-up.
DISCUSSION
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common cause of nonscarring alopecia.
Although the exact pathogenesis of AA is unknown, it is
considered a T-cell–mediated autoimmune condition due to the
loss of immune privilege in the hair follicle.1 It is also associated
with an increased risk in other autoimmune disorders, including
thyroid disease, vitiligo, and lupus erythematosus.1,2
Management of AA is often more challenging than the diagnosis.
Management is based on either an immunosuppressive
or immunomodulatory approach. Immunosuppression with
corticosteroids is a common therapeutic approach. Topical
and intralesional injections are utilized for localized disease.
Systemic corticosteroids can be used for acute and rapidly
progressing patients; however, its utility is limited by the
side-effect profile.1
