P26 MULTI-INJECTION PLATE FOR INTRALESIONAL CORTICOSTEROID TREATMENT OF PATCHY ALOPECIA AREATA

Ferrando J, Moreno-Arias GA, Grimalt R. Dept. of Dermatology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Spain.

We have used a mesotherapy multi-injection round plate (RIMOS, Mirandola, Italy) with five or seven 27G, 4 mm long needles for intralesional corticosteroid application for patchy alopecia areata affecting the scalp. Triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/ml), paramethasone acetate (20 mg/ml) or betamethasone (6 mg) may be used. The needles penetrate the skin up to the subcutaneous fat, at aproximately 4 mm depth, where a small volume (0.7 ml) of the corticosteroid is applied, obtaining five or seven papules. Once the divice is withdrawn, the skin is gently massaged, allowing a homogeneous distribution of the solution.

We have employed this method  in 50 patients and more than 100 treatment sessions. Pain and  bleeding that is easily controlled by local pressure were the only side effects observed. No atrophy has been documented; we attribute this to the uniformity in steroid application, as well as to the local massage that favors homogenous distribution of the solution.