Intralesional steroid injections are most suitable for patchy, relatively stable hair loss, of limited extent. This modality is not appropriate in rapidly progressive alopecia areata or in widespread alopecia areata like alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis.

These injections are repeated about every four to six weeks.

If new hair growth occurs from corticosteroid injections it is usually visible within four weeks. Corticosteroid injections, like all treatments for alopecia areata, do not prevent new hair loss from developing. While there are few reported side effects related to this kind of treatment, temporary depressions (called “dells”) in the skin may result from the injections. However, these usually improve
with time. People may experience slight discomfort from the needle pricks and tingling from the medication, but usually there is no other pain or discomfort after the treatment