Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic inflammatory non-scarring type of hair loss. Current therapies for alopecia areata are rather limited and mainly involve topical, intra-lesional or systemic steroids and topical immunotherapy, with variable benefit.

The clinical efficacy of topical vitamin D analogues in AA is still open to debate, although a recent study has demonstrated that the synthetic vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol is an effective alternative treatment of AA of the scalp.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical calcipotriol formulation versus a topical corticosteroid (clobetasol) formulation, in the treatment of limited patchy AA of the scalp.

Calcipotriol, which is characterized by a favourable side effects profile, seems to be a valid therapeutic option in the management of AA.