Alopecia Areata: A Possible Extraintestinal Manifestation of Crohn's Disease

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.

Hair loss is linked to cellular physiology and the IGF-1 to TGF-B1 ratio, not just androgen sensitivity. The theory lacks evidence, while finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments.

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.

The conversation discusses alopecia areata and whether diet changes can resolve it. One user mentions that their condition fluctuates without dietary changes, suggesting stress as a possible factor.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.

The user is experiencing hair loss with possible causes including chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia. They have tried treatments like Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil, and finasteride, and are considering a biopsy for further clarity.