Alopecia Areata in Twins With Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Personal Observations

July 2019 in “ Dermatology practical & conceptual ”

Giusy Schipani, Stefano Dastoli, Elisabetta Scali, Luigi Bennardo, Martina Silvestri, Steven Paul Nisticò

alopecia areata autoimmune thyroiditis betamethasone vasodilatory lotions antiseptic lotions autoantibody dermatological manifestations AA thyroiditis steroid scalp lotion

TLDR The study found that alopecia areata is strongly linked to autoimmune diseases and may indicate a genetic predisposition to such conditions.

In 2019, a study was conducted on two 15-year-old monozygotic twins who were affected by alopecia areata (AA) and thyroiditis. The twins had different patterns of hair loss, with one having widespread alopecia and the other having localized, round, small alopecia. Blood tests revealed that both twins had autoimmune thyroiditis, with very high autoantibody values. They were treated with oral betamethasone, vasodilatory and antiseptic lotions of the scalp, which led to a partial remission of their dermatological manifestations. The study concluded that there is a strong association between autoimmune diseases and AA, and that patients with AA may be genetically predisposed to develop this kind of disease. It was also suggested that AA could be a warning sign for other diseases that affect the thyroid.

View this study on dpcj.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations, May 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations, July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community AGA evaluation and first steps - BEGINNER MEGAPOST

in Chat 73 upvotes 2 months ago

The conversation discusses androgenic alopecia (AGA) and its treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo. Finasteride is recommended as essential for preventing further hair loss.

community Lilly to seek first approval of an autoimmune drug for hair loss

in Research/Science 19 upvotes 3 years ago

Eli Lilly's drug baricitinib showed effectiveness in treating alopecia areata, with higher doses resulting in significant hair regrowth compared to placebo. The treatment is not for male pattern baldness.

community 17M biotin and minoxidil hair regrowth progress

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 1 year ago

A user's hair regrowth journey using biotin and minoxidil after initial treatments with Nizoral shampoo and Ketoconazole serum didn't work. The comments suggest the hair loss might not be male pattern baldness (MPB), but possibly Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder, and recommend getting a second opinion and considering other treatments like corticosteroids.

community Can I punch someone if they make fun of my hair loss, just like Will Smith did?

in Chat 448 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss's social impact, focusing on Will Smith defending Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia. The conversation highlights double standards between men and women experiencing hair loss and emphasizes empathy.

community Are most men bald because they haven’t tried any treatment or are they bald in spite of it?

in Shaved/buzzed 307 upvotes 7 months ago

Some men are bald because they are unaware of hair loss treatments like Minoxidil (Min) and Finasteride (Fin), while others choose not to use them due to potential side effects, cost, or personal preference. Treatments like Min and Fin are discussed, with varying results and opinions on their effectiveness and side effects.

community To anyone that is still not seeing results on the big 3…

in Treatment 106 upvotes 2 years ago

User redh0t12 suggests using a derma pen for hair regrowth, as it helped them after using finasteride and minoxidil. Others discuss their experiences with various treatments, including derma rolling, oral and topical minoxidil, and finasteride, with mixed results.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Twenty Nail Dystrophy with Alopecia Areata in an Atopic Child

April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.