Alopecia Areata: Current Review

The document reviewed Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune condition affecting hair follicles, with a 50% lifetime recurrence rate and often associated with other autoimmune diseases. It emphasized the unpredictable nature of AA, with poor prognosis linked to factors such as early onset, family history, and extensive disease. Treatment options are palliative, with limited evidence-based data, and include corticosteroids, minoxidil, and immunotherapy, among others. JAK inhibitors, particularly tofacitinib, have shown promise in a study of 90 patients, with 77% responding positively, especially those with less than 10 years of disease duration. Other treatments like azathioprine, statins, antihistamines, and PRP therapy are considered, but there is no definitive cure. Psychosocial support is important for patient self-esteem, and the prognosis is variable, with spontaneous remission possible but high relapse rates over time. Factors such as alopecia totalis and universalis are associated with a more progressive course, while diffuse AA has a better prognosis. The document also notes the psychological impact of AA and the potential role of antidepressants in treatment.