Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Hair Loss Condition

The 2016 document details Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune hair loss condition without a known cure. It affects up to 3.8% of dermatology patients and has a lifetime risk of 1.7%, with 20% of cases occurring in children. The condition can lead to different patterns of hair loss and has an unpredictable course, with 50% of patients seeing spontaneous recovery within a year, but 85% may relapse. Treatment options like topical and intralesional steroids, minoxidil, anthralin, and topical immunotherapy vary in effectiveness, and systemic therapies often come with severe side effects and high relapse rates. New treatments, including JAK inhibitors and low-dose interleukin-2, show promise but need more research. The document recommends addressing the psychological impact of AA, especially in pediatric patients, and suggests different treatment approaches based on age, with topical corticosteroids and minoxidil for those under 12, and a combination of therapies for those 12 and older. Screening for thyroid dysfunction is also advised, particularly for patients with a family history of thyroid disease.