DCP Treatment for Alopecia Areata
The London Skin and Hair Clinic is one of the few clinics in London offering DCP (Diphencyprone) treatment for alopecia areata, a specialised therapy used to stimulate hair regrowth in patients with patchy hair loss.
Treatment is provided following consultation with Dr Martin Wade, a dermatologist experienced in hair loss conditions, who will assess the scalp and determine whether DCP therapy is appropriate for your alopecia areata.
Following the initial appointment the dermatologist will sensitise the scalp and provide a starter pack of different strengths of DCP solution together with detailed instructions on how to find the most suitable treatment strength.
There are currently supply issues in sourcing DCP for treatment so please contact the clinic prior to booking an appointment with Dr Martin Wade, to see if it is possible to source the DCP for you.
An alternative to DCP treatment for alopecia areata may be treatment with biologics.
The London Skin and Hair Clinics is one of the few clinics in London offering a DCP service for alopecia areata
We can provide DCP for patients who already know their strength and have had treatment before, or assist patients in finding their suitable strength
Treatment may need to be repeated in the future
DCP treatment for alopecia areata has been found to be good to excellent in over 50% of patients
What is DCP Treatment?
Diphencyprone (DCP) is used as a treatment for alopecia areata to stimulate the body’s immune system in the skin surface.
The treatment diverts the immune system away from the hair follicle to the skin surface by creating an allergic reaction on the skin. This immune response can allow the hair follicle to recover and begin producing hair again in areas affected by alopecia areata.
At a Glance
- There are currently supply issues in sourcing DCP, please contact the clinic prior to booking an appointment
- Guide Price: DCP starter pack of £220 to determine suitable sensitivity, and then £80 to £120 per bottle of DCP. Consultation with Dr Martin Wade required
- Frequency: Area treated for minimum of 6 months, and up to 12 months
- Risk: Localised dermatitis
- Aftercare: Minimal
What is involved in DCP for hair loss?
DCP treatment also known as contact immunotherapy uses an irritant chemical to sensitive the scalp, and to then apply the irritant to the scalp to encourage an allergic reaction.
Our Dermatologist will sensitize the scalp with a 2% solution. After 2-4 days you will develop a small patch of allergic eczema at the site of application. Once the eczema is developed, you have been sensitized and your immune system primed.
You are then provided with a starter kit of different dilutions of solution and apply these solutions, at increasing strengths, to identify the concentration that produces a mild irritation on the scalp lasting a few days.
Once the appropriate strength has been identified, DCP treatment for alopecia areata is typically applied weekly at home to maintain the therapeutic immune response.
What are the risks or potential side effects?
Diphenylcyclopropenone is made up in acetone. It should be stored in a dark glass bottle in a cupboard away from sunlight and kept secure from access by children. The compounded preparation has a shelf-life of around 6 months.
Great care should be taken to avoid diphenylcyclopropenone touching other areas of the body. Gloves should be worn by the patient and those assisting them for each application. There is a risk that the patient or their family may also become sensitised and develop dermatitis if care is not taken.
What aftercare is required?
Our Dermatologist provides training on how to apply the solution and how to adjust the strength if required.
Follow-up appointments at our London dermatology clinic allow the dermatologist to review hair regrowth and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.
We normally recommend a review after 3 months and then again after 6 months.
What is the cost?
Patients require a new patient consultation with Dr Martin Wade, a Dermatologist who specialises in hair loss and scalp conditions.
Dr Wade will sensitise the scalp as part of the consultation.
A starter pack of DCP solutions is currently available at our clinic for £220. Ongoing solutions are available from £80 to £120 per bottle depending on the strength.
The cost of DCP treatment for alopecia areata will depend on the strength of the solution required and the duration of treatment.