The Correlation Between Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Alopecia Areata: A Literature Review

The literature review examines the link between COVID-19 and alopecia areata (AA), noting an increase in AA cases post-COVID-19, especially in adults without prior AA history. Studies from Turkey and Korea suggest a higher risk of autoimmune diseases, including AA, after COVID-19, with severity correlating with risk. However, mild to moderate COVID-19 may not worsen existing AA, and AA patients might have a lower COVID-19 risk due to elevated IFN-γ levels. The review also addresses the debated connection between COVID-19 vaccination and AA, with some reports of AA post-vaccination but no significant increase in autoimmune diseases in large studies. The pathogenesis of AA involves immune imbalances and possibly viral infections like COVID-19. Treatments for COVID-19-related AA include JAK inhibitors and hormonal therapies, but their use requires caution due to potential impacts on COVID-19 progression. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and treatment strategies for AA related to COVID-19 and its vaccination.