TLDR Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing hair loss, treatable with immune-modulating drugs, and linked to genetics.
Alopecia areata (AA) was identified as an autoimmune disease characterized by nonscarring hair loss, often associated with other autoimmune conditions. The presence of autoreactive T lymphocytes supported its autoimmune etiology, with both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells playing roles in its pathogenesis. Studies showed that AA could be transferred to human scalp explants on SCID mice using T lymphocytes, indicating a T cell-mediated mechanism. Immune modulating drugs, such as corticosteroids, were beneficial in managing AA. Genetic predisposition was suggested by associations with certain HLA alleles, and AA was observed to have a protective effect against Type I diabetes. Animal models were used to study AA's pathophysiology and test therapies. Neuropeptides and altered cutaneous innervation were implicated, with a pilot study using capsaicin cream showing vellus hair regrowth. The document emphasized the need for further research into treatments and genetic studies.
13 citations,
December 2001 in “Dermatologic therapy” Alopecia areata causes varying hair loss patterns, affecting hair, nails, and possibly glands, with treatment outcomes depending on disease duration and extent.
19 citations,
December 2001 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Horizontal scalp biopsy sections are better for diagnosing alopecia areata, showing fewer hair follicles and more miniaturized hairs.
16 citations,
December 2001 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Alopecia areata has a complex genetic basis that was not fully understood as of 2001.
36 citations,
October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Mice are useful for researching human hair loss and testing treatments, despite some differences between species.
178 citations,
June 1994 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Alopecia areata in these mice is inherited, more common in young females, and can be treated with triamcinolone acetonide.
6 citations,
March 2019 in “JAAD case reports” A new mix of anthralin and calcipotriene might help treat severe hair loss.
148 citations,
December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
4 citations,
November 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Alopecia areata can sometimes appear as a straight line of hair loss instead of round patches.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
