Letter in Reply: Alopecia Areata After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

A user noticed a sudden bald spot and others suggested it might be alopecia areata, often stress-induced, recommending seeing a dermatologist for steroid injections. Topical minoxidil was mentioned as a successful treatment by one user.

The user's hair thinning and shedding were due to Telogen effluvium caused by COVID-19, not the ineffectiveness of Finasteride. The shedding eventually slowed, and hair growth resumed, but the user was advised to consider additional treatments like Minoxidil or microneedling if needed.

Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hair follicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.

The user is undergoing treatment for hair loss using finasteride, Kenalog injections, and Clobetasol, along with vitamin D and collagen supplements. They are considering additional treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, and there is discussion about whether the hair loss is due to stress, alopecia areata, or a scarring condition like lichen planopilaris.

A 23-year-old male is experiencing diffuse hair loss and miniaturization, possibly due to high IGE levels after using tofacitinib. He seeks advice and has not yet consulted a dermatologist.