TLDR Some people developed alopecia areata after COVID-19 vaccination, but it's not caused by the vaccine and most improved with treatment.
The cross-sectional study involved 24 patients who developed alopecia areata (AA) after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The onset of AA varied from 1 to 16 weeks post-vaccination, with a mean of 5.2 weeks. The study found no causal relationship between the vaccine and AA, with the rate of AA similar to pre-pandemic levels. The majority of patients (76.2% of 21) showed improvement after 12 weeks of topical and/or systemic therapies. The study concluded that while AA can occur post-vaccination, especially in those with a history of autoimmune disorders, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
3 citations,
May 2022 in “JAAD case reports” A woman developed alopecia after her second Pfizer vaccine but regrew her hair with treatment and had no issues after a booster shot.
25 citations,
February 2022 in “JAAD International” Some COVID-19 patients lose hair, with the most common type linked to male hormones and possibly increasing the risk of severe illness.
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.
19 citations,
August 2017 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Hepatitis B virus exposure may be linked to increased risk of alopecia areata.
6 citations,
November 2022 in “Journal of autoimmunity” JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib may effectively treat Alopecia Areata.
October 2022 in “Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh” Tofacitinib is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.
39 citations,
April 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” Tofacitinib temporarily regrew hair in a man with alopecia, but its effects didn't last.
5 citations,
June 2015 in “Veterinary dermatology” A dog with complete hair loss regrew most hair after treatment, with no relapse after stopping treatment.
39 citations,
April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” PUVA treatment led to significant hair regrowth in over half of the patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis.
