Alopecia Areata Update

The 2013 document provided an update on Alopecia Areata (AA), detailing its prevalence, diagnosis, associated conditions, and various treatment options. AA affects 0.7% to 3.8% of dermatology clinic visits with a lifetime risk of 1.7% in the U.S. and presents before age 20 in 60% of cases. The condition is autoimmune with potential triggers like stress and genetics. Prognosis varies, with 50% of patients recovering within a year without treatment, but extensive AA has a less than 10% chance of full recovery. Treatments include intralesional corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids, and minoxidil, with limited evidence of efficacy. Studies showed 63.6% hair regrowth with 3% minoxidil and better response with higher concentrations. Other treatments like anthralin, topical immunotherapy, prostaglandin analogs, systemic therapies, and psychosocial support were discussed, with varying success rates. Methotrexate and azathioprine showed significant regrowth but also high relapse rates. The document emphasized the need for individualized treatment plans and further controlled trials.