Topical Metformin Shows Potential Benefit for Late Stage Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Araoye EF, Thomas JAL, Aguh CU. Hair regrowth in 2 patients with recalcitrant central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia after use of topical metformin. JAAD Case Rep. 2020 Jan 22;6(2):106-108

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Given the often mild symptoms of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), patient typically present at lat stages with large areas of scarring

• Metformin is a medication typically used to treat diabetes and has been shown in animal studies to improve scaring.

• The study demonstrated the improvement of patients with late stage CCCA using topical compounded metformin 10% after failure with traditional therapies.

COMMENTS

• Late stage CCCA is often difficult to treat with limited therapies offering benefit.

• Topical compounded metformin 10% is new and interesting treatment option for late stage CCCA. It should be studied in more detail to assess the mechanism of action and long term efficacy.