Alopecia Areata: literature review

Alopecia areata was recognized as an autoimmune inflammatory disease causing patchy, partial, or complete hair loss on the scalp, beard, or body. It shared a similar mechanism with other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis but specifically affected hair follicles without causing symptoms like itching or pain. The hair growth cycle in alopecia areata transitioned from the growth phase to the resting phase more rapidly than in healthy individuals. Hair follicles were not irreversibly damaged, allowing for the possibility of disease recurrence. The condition occurred worldwide, independent of race, age, or lifestyle, but was linked to genetic predisposition and comorbidities. Various treatments, including topical, systemic, and local injections, were used, but they often did not yield satisfactory results, with frequent disease remission. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies offered hope for more effective treatments.