Novel treatment of alopecia areata with shooting-type candlelit-dissolving microneedle

Alopecia areata (AA) is a T lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disorder characterized by targeted hair follicle destruction that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Conventional therapeutic strategies, including the topical application of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), face challenges owing to suboptimal cutaneous permeability and inconsistent intradermal injection techniques, which contribute to adverse effects and patient distress. In this study, we developed a shooting-type TA-encapsulated candlelit-dissolving microneedle (TCD) utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to address these limitations. In vitro evaluation using human outer root sheath cells demonstrated the ability of TCD to effectively reduce inflammation. Furthermore, in vivo analysis using a novel AA-induced C3H/HeJ mouse model revealed the efficacy of TCD in promoting hair growth and alleviating AA-related inflammatory processes. This innovative TCD applicator design overcomes the shortcomings of the prevailing TA treatments and provides a promising alternative approach for enhanced AA management. This study lays a foundation for future research focusing on optimizing TCD, assessing its long-term efficacy, and exploring its applicability in the treatment of other dermatological conditions. By integrating cutting-edge scientific discoveries, TCD can improve AA treatment outcomes.