There was a very interesting article in the November 1998 issue of the Archives of Dermatology about aromatherapy for alopecia areata. (Arch Dermatol. 1998;134:1349-52) The results seemed to be as good as those reported for more aggressive therapies such as DNCB, SABDE, and DPCP. It certainly lacks the potential sides effects of corticosteroids or the possibility of infection at an intralesional injection site.
There was a 44% response in the active group, with only a 15% response in the control group, The whole study group was 86 patients. This seems to be an exciting, safe, economical alternative to the current modalities. The treatment was that of 4 essential oils (lavender, rosemary, thyme and cedarwood) in a carrier oil, massaged into the scalp for 2 minutes (or more) at bedtime, and the head covered with a moist hot towel. Pleasant and soothing aromatic oils in a mixture of moisturizing carrier oils.

Includes dropper