title: Treatment of alopecia areata with squaric acid dibutylester.
abstract: Squaric acid dibutylester is a topical sensitizing agent utilized for the treatment of alopecia areata. The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but is believed to redirect the inflammatory response by invoking allergic contact dermatitis. Several studies have compared the efficacy of squaric acid dibutylester to other treatments vs placebo with favorable results. This contribution reviews the history of the topical sensitizing agent squaric acid dibutylester and discusses the mechanism of action, the use in alopecia areata, and the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic agent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center, 6655 Travis Street #600, Houston, TX 77030.
authors.forename: Nikki D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030. Electronic address: Nikki.D.Hill@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bunata
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology University of Texas at Houston Health Science Center, 6655 Travis Street #600, Houston, TX 77030.
authors.forename: Adelaide A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hebert
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003503:Cyclobutanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D003503:Cyclobutanes; C020637:squaric acid dibutyl ester