Alopecia Areata Update

January 2010 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Abdullah Alkhalifah, Adel Alsantali, Eddy Wang, Kevin J. McElwee, Jerry Shapiro

alopecia areata therapeutic agents spontaneous remission randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies treatment options experimental treatments individualized treatment plans AA treatment plans

Studysummary This review discusses treatment options for alopecia areata and suggests tailored treatment plans, noting the challenges posed by spontaneous remission and limited high-quality clinical trials.

Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

57 / 57 results

research Phase I/II Randomized Bilateral Half-Head Comparison of Topical Bexarotene 1% Gel for Alopecia Areata

44 citations , October 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study reported that 1% bexarotene gel was well tolerated and possibly effective for inducing partial hair regrowth in alopecia areata, but more rigorous trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.

research Letter

9 citations , April 2009 in “Dermatologic surgery”

Infrared light might help treat stubborn alopecia areata.

Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost and Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solutions in Promoting Eyelash Growth in Patients with Alopecia Areata

55 citations , March 2009 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that latanoprost and bimatoprost, when applied cutaneously to the eyelids, did not induce appreciable eyelash regrowth in patients with alopecia areata over 16 weeks.

research Alopecia Areata: Evidence-Based Treatments

71 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery”

This review discusses evidence for alopecia areata treatments, highlighting their ability to stimulate hair growth but noting limited data on long-term efficacy and impact on quality of life.

research Alopecia Areata Following Adalimumab

38 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

This case report highlights a woman who developed new-onset alopecia areata after starting adalimumab for psoriatic arthritis, challenging the assumed role of TNF-alpha in the condition's pathogenesis.

research Treatment of Persistent Alopecia Areata with Sulfasalazine

45 citations , July 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that oral sulfasalazine led to varying hair regrowth outcomes in patients with persistent alopecia areata, with 56.3% showing moderate to good responses.

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

164 citations , April 2008 in “Cochrane library”

This review of interventions for alopecia areata found no significant treatment benefits for hair growth compared to placebo, indicating a need for larger, well-conducted studies.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a new 5% minoxidil foam formulation significantly increased hair counts and improved hair loss condition in men with androgenetic alopecia over 16 weeks compared to placebo.

research Changes in Distribution Pattern of CD8 Lymphocytes in the Scalp in Alopecia Areata During Treatment With Diphenylcyclopropenone

27 citations , May 2007 in “Archives of dermatological research”

In this study, alopecia areata patients treated with diphencyprone showed a significant increase in CD8 lymphocytes around hair bulbs, which may be associated with hair regrowth.

research Effect of Thioredoxin Reductase 1 on Glucocorticoid Receptor Activity in Human Outer Root Sheath Cells

34 citations , March 2007 in “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications”

This study suggests that decreased expression of thioredoxin reductase 1 in hair follicle cells may contribute to glucocorticoid resistance in some alopecia areata patients by affecting the intracellular redox system.

research Lack of Response of Alopecia Areata to Pimecrolimus Cream

26 citations , March 2007 in “Clinical and experimental dermatology”

Pimecrolimus cream is not effective for treating alopecia areata.

research Development of Alopecia Areata Universalis in a Patient Receiving Adalimumab

69 citations , December 2006 in “Archives of dermatology”

This entry contains no research abstract, so no scientific findings or conclusions are reported.

research Efficacy And Safety Of A New Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Foam In Alopecia Areata: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

114 citations , October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate foam demonstrated effectiveness and good patient compliance as a safe topical treatment for moderate to severe alopecia areata, with significant hair regrowth compared to placebo.

research Intralesional Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Triamcinolone Acetonide by Jet Injector

100 citations , July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections using a needleless injector led to rapid hair regrowth in patients with limited alopecia areata, while lasting growth was rare in alopecia totalis.

research A Comparison of the Efficacy, Relapse Rate, and Side Effects Among Three Modalities of Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Alopecia Areata

97 citations , January 2006 in “Dermatology”

This study found that intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide or pulse therapy effectively treats alopecia areata with manageable side effects, but further strategies are needed to reduce relapse rates.

research Lack of Efficacy of Topical Latanoprost in the Treatment of Eyebrow Alopecia Areata

36 citations , November 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the potential of latanoprost for treating alopecia areata, but notes that well-controlled studies are still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

research Alopecia Areata Presenting in Two Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Recipients Taking Cyclosporine

23 citations , October 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This report describes the unexpected development of alopecia areata in kidney-pancreas transplant recipients undergoing cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive therapy, suggesting a complex relationship between the treatment and disease.

research Recurrence of Alopecia Areata in a Patient Receiving Etanercept Injections

75 citations , June 2005 in “Archives of Dermatology”

In this case report, a patient experienced a recurrence of alopecia areata while undergoing etanercept treatment, suggesting the drug may not effectively prevent this condition's return.

research Topical Immunotherapy of Severe Alopecia Areata with Diphenylcyclopropenone: Experience in an Iranian Population

36 citations , May 2005 in “BMC dermatology”

This study found that topical diphenylcyclopropenone was effective in treating severe alopecia areata but had a high relapse rate and was often accompanied by side effects like eczema and lymphadenopathy.

research Influence of Prostaglandin F2α and Its Analogues on Hair Regrowth and Follicular Melanogenesis in a Murine Model

103 citations , April 2005 in “Experimental dermatology”

This study found that PGF2alpha analogues and PGE2 stimulated hair follicle activity in mice, with PGF2alpha analogues also linked to potential side effects like poliosis when used as eye treatments.

research Placebo-Controlled Oral Pulse Prednisolone Therapy in Alopecia Areata

141 citations , February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.

research Comparison of Azelaic Acid and Anthralin for the Therapy of Patchy Alopecia Areata

27 citations , January 2005 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This pilot study found that azelaic acid treatment for patchy alopecia areata had similar hair regrowth results as anthralin, suggesting it may be an effective topical therapy.

research 308-Nm Excimer Laser Therapy in Alopecia Areata

85 citations , November 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

The 308-nm excimer laser helps hair regrowth in some alopecia areata cases but not all.

research Hypertrichosis of the Eyelashes Caused by Bimatoprost

65 citations , November 2004 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reports a case where the IOP-lowering drug bimatoprost was associated with eyelash hypertrichosis.

research Acquired Trichomegaly of the Eyelashes and Hypertrichosis Induced by Bimatoprost

22 citations , September 2004 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Bimatoprost can cause longer, thicker, darker eyelashes and eyebrows.

research Hypertrichosis of Vellus Hairs in the Malar Region After Unilateral Treatment with Bimatoprost

15 citations , March 2004 in “American Journal of Ophthalmology”

This case report found that topical bimatoprost in a female Hispanic patient with glaucoma led to increased hair growth and pigmentation in the malar region, which resolved after discontinuing use and epilation.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations , February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the mechanisms by which minoxidil stimulates hair growth and reports no new clinical findings.

research Autoimmunity: Alopecia Areata

143 citations , January 2004 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

This review discusses the autoimmune nature of alopecia areata, potential therapeutic targets, and highlights the need for further studies on immunomodulatory treatments and genetic factors, but it reports no new clinical results.

research Restoration of Hair Growth in Mice with an Alopecia Areata-Like Disease Using Topical Anthralin

29 citations , January 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology”

In this study, anthralin treatment led to hair regrowth in alopecia areata-like affected C3H/HeJ mice, suggesting it may be an effective therapy for this condition.

research Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata

182 citations , October 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

These guidelines for alopecia areata management, prepared by the British Association of Dermatologists, provide evidence-based treatment recommendations and insights into the condition's epidemiology, diagnosis, and investigation.

Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

research Efficacy of Betamethasone Valerate Foam Formulation in Comparison with Betamethasone Dipropionate Lotion in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alopecia Areata: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Investigator-Blinded Trial

66 citations , July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that betamethasone valerate foam was more effective and well-tolerated than betamethasone dipropionate lotion in treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata, with higher hair regrowth rates observed.

research Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Under Occlusion in the Treatment of Alopecia Totalis/Universalis

146 citations , July 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was found to induce hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with severe alopecia areata under occlusive conditions, though long-term benefit was limited to 17.8%.

research Topical Tacrolimus (FK506): Treatment Failure in Four Cases of Alopecia Universalis

19 citations , September 2002 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

In this retrospective study, anti-tuberculous agents, likely rifampicin, were effective adjunctive therapies for a chalazion, coinciding with spontaneous drainage in a patient with rosacea.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

research Sulfasalazine for Alopecia Areata

62 citations , April 2002 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, sulfasalazine treatment resulted in cosmetically acceptable hair regrowth in 23% of patients with severe alopecia areata in whom a response could be determined.

research Twice Weekly 5 mg Dexamethasone Oral Pulse in the Treatment of Extensive Alopecia Areata

65 citations , September 1999 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, complete to excellent hair regrowth was observed in 63.3% of patients with extensive alopecia areata treated with biweekly dexamethasone pulses, although mild side effects were frequent.

research Efficacy of Topical Sensitizers in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

132 citations , November 1998 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of topical sensitizers in treating alopecia areata but reports no new clinical findings.

research Minoxidil Upregulates the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Hair Dermal Papilla Cells

192 citations , March 1998 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that minoxidil significantly increases VEGF mRNA and protein expression in dermal papilla cells, suggesting a role in enhancing hair follicle vascularization in androgenetic alopecia.

research Alopecia Areata in a Renal Transplant Recipient on Cyclosporin

12 citations , November 1996 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

A kidney transplant patient on cyclosporin experienced unexpected severe hair loss, which improved with treatment adjustments.

research Pulsed Administration of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

117 citations , February 1996 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that monthly oral prednisolone pulses of 300 mg were effective and safe for treating widespread alopecia areata, with 58.3% of patients achieving cosmetically acceptable hair growth.

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

105 citations , December 1995 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This retrospective study concluded that PUVA treatment is generally ineffective for alopecia areata, with low effective success rates for partialis, totalis, and universalis types.

research Vitiligo Complicating Diphencyprone Sensitization Therapy for Alopecia Universalis

47 citations , September 1995 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This review discusses the complication of vitiligo in patients undergoing diphencyprone sensitization therapy for alopecia universalis and reports no new clinical findings.

research Systemic Steroids With or Without 2% Topical Minoxidil in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

24 citations , November 1992 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that a 6-week taper of prednisone led to more than 25% hair regrowth in 30% to 47% of alopecia areata patients, and applying 2% topical minoxidil helped maintain this growth.

research Potassium Channel Conductance: A Mechanism Affecting Hair Growth Both In Vitro and In Vivo

82 citations , March 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

research Treatment-Resistant Alopecia Areata: Response to Combination Therapy with Minoxidil Plus Anthralin

36 citations , June 1990 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that combination therapy with 5% minoxidil and 0.5% anthralin led to hair regrowth in some patients with severe treatment-resistant alopecia areata, but also caused mild to moderate irritant dermatitis in all participants.

research The Effect of Topical Minoxidil on Hair Follicular Cycles of Rats

53 citations , May 1990 in “Journal of Dermatology”

In this animal study, topical minoxidil shortened the telogen phase of hair growth cycles in rats, suggesting it may stimulate certain follicles to progress more rapidly to anagen.

research Alterations in Scalp Blood Flow After the Epicutaneous Application of 3% Minoxidil and 0.1% Hexyl Nicotinate in Alopecia

25 citations , November 1987 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study observed increases in scalp blood flow following the application of 3% minoxidil and 0.1% hexyl nicotinate in individuals with alopecia.

research Potential Mechanisms of Minoxidil-Induced Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata

26 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study suggests that topical minoxidil may aid hair regrowth in alopecia areata through synergistic effects on follicular epithelium and lymphocyte-mediated immunological responses, alongside its vasodilatory properties.

research Topical Minoxidil Solution (1% and 5%) in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

101 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Action of Topical Minoxidil in the Bald Stump-Tailed Macaque

78 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil promotes hair growth but stops working when discontinued.

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

104 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.

research Topical Minoxidil (3%) in Extensive Alopecia Areata, Including Long-Term Efficacy

54 citations , March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this study, 3% topical minoxidil showed some efficacy in hair regrowth for patients with extensive alopecia areata, especially those with less than total scalp hair loss, but did not lead to complete remission.

research In Vitro Suppression of Human Lymphocyte Activity by Minoxidil

17 citations , January 1985 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

In this study, minoxidil was found to suppress the activity of normal human T-lymphocytes in vitro, though the physiological relevance of this effect remains uncertain.

Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

research Minoxidil Stimulates Cutaneous Blood Flow in Human Balding Scalps: Pharmacodynamics Measured by Laser Doppler Velocimetry and Photopulse Plethysmography

137 citations , May 1984 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Minoxidil increases blood flow in balding scalps, possibly reversing hair loss.

research Large Doses of Glucocorticoid in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

80 citations , November 1975 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

This study found that while some patients with severe alopecia areata responded to high-dose prednisolone, the response was inconsistent and the therapy's risks prevent recommending it for general use.

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

75 citations , September 1971 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that both intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and triamcinolone hexacetonide promote continuous hair growth in alopecia areata, with effects lasting at least 9 months after a single injection.