Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

February 2007 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”

Dan Wasserman, Daniela Araucaria Guzman-Sanchez, Kimberly Scott, Amy J. McMichael

alopecia areata autoimmune disease hair loss corticosteroids minoxidil anthralin topical immunotherapy PUVA therapy cyclosporine A tacrolimus biologics Rogaine psoralen plus ultraviolet A

TLDR Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

This 2007 article provides an overview of alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. The etiology and pathogenesis of AA are still unknown, but corticosteroids are the most popular drugs for treatment. Other treatment options include minoxidil, anthralin, topical immunotherapy, PUVA therapy, cyclosporine A, and tacrolimus. Biologics are also being studied for their potential role in treating AA. The document emphasizes that AA has no cure and no uniformly dependable treatment, and that patients and families should be educated on all that is known and be made aware of support mechanisms in place.

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Research cited in this study

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research PUVA Treatment of Alopecia Areata Partialis, Totalis, and Universalis: Audit of 10 Years' Experience at St John's Institute of Dermatology

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research Alopecia Areata in Children: Response to Treatment with Diphencyprone

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research Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Topical Minoxidil in Extensive Alopecia Areata

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research Treatment of Alopecia Areata With Steroid Solution

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The steroid solution can regrow hair but often causes skin issues and doesn't work long-term.

research A Comparison of Intralesional Triamcinolone Hexacetonide and Triamcinolone Acetonide in Alopecia Areata

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