Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

The document from 2015 provides an overview of Alopecia Areata (AA), a common autoimmune form of hair loss with a genetic predisposition, affecting 0.1-0.2% of the population, mainly between ages 20 to 40. It describes AA as presenting with well-circumscribed patches of hair loss, primarily on the scalp, and notes that diagnosis is usually clinical. The document outlines various treatments, including intralesional corticosteroids as the first-line treatment, systemic steroids, anthralin, minoxidil, topical immunotherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants, while also highlighting the psychological impact of AA and the importance of psychological support. It mentions that spontaneous remission can occur in up to 50% of patients within a year, but also recognizes that long-standing, extensive AA has a poorer prognosis, with several factors indicating a worse outcome. The document concludes with a call for further research into the genetics and autoimmunity of AA to improve treatment options.