Alopecia areata: Pathogenesis and treatment

The document reviewed the pathogenesis and treatment of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing hair loss. It highlighted the role of immune system dysfunction, particularly T-cell subpopulations, and their cytotoxic activities. Various treatments were explored, including systemic and topical corticosteroids, immunotherapy agents like DNCB and SADBE, and minoxidil, with varying degrees of success. While some treatments showed promise, such as photochemotherapy with a 60%-70% success rate and minoxidil with 81% effectiveness in one study, no single treatment was consistently effective. The review underscored the complexity of alopecia areata and the need for further research to improve treatment efficacy.