Current Treatments for Alopecia Areata

November 2015 in “ The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings ”

Maria Hordinsky

alopecia areata scalp biopsy Janus kinase inhibitors JAK inhibitors interleukin-2 IL-2 systemic therapies targeted therapies AA

TLDR There is no cure for alopecia areata, but treatments like JAK inhibitors show promise.

The document from 2015 discusses the challenges in selecting a treatment for alopecia areata (AA), which often depends on factors such as the patient's age, disease extent and duration, expectations, costs, and the results of laboratory studies to exclude other conditions. While there is no cure for AA and no universally effective treatment, various therapies can benefit both children and adults. For patients with extensive, long-standing AA, a scalp biopsy can provide valuable information for treatment decisions. The document highlights excitement in the AA community regarding recent research on systemic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and interleukin-2 (IL-2), which have led to clinical trials and off-label use of these targeted therapies, despite their higher cost.

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6 / 6 results

research Killing Two Birds with One Stone: Oral Tofacitinib Reverses Alopecia Universalis in a Patient with Plaque Psoriasis

185 citations , December 2014 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

A man with severe hair loss and skin disease regrew his hair with no side effects after taking tofacitinib.

research Alopecia Areata Is Driven by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Is Reversed by JAK Inhibition

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

Alopecia areata can be reversed by JAK inhibitors, promoting hair regrowth.

research Alopecia Areata: An Evidence-Based Treatment Update

72 citations , July 2014 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Some treatments, like corticosteroids and sensitizing agents, can help with alopecia areata, but more high-quality research is needed.

research Clobetasol Propionate, 0.05%, vs Hydrocortisone, 1%, for Alopecia Areata in Children

49 citations , January 2014 in “JAMA dermatology”

Clobetasol propionate, 0.05%, is more effective and safe for treating childhood alopecia areata than hydrocortisone, 1%.

research The Safety and Efficacy of Diphencyprone for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata in Children

37 citations , September 2012 in “Archives of dermatology”

research Interventions for Alopecia Areata

164 citations , April 2008 in “Cochrane library”

Current treatments for alopecia show no significant long-term benefits.

9 / 9 results

research Efficacy of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Adult Patients With Alopecia Areata

August 2023 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

Janus kinase inhibitors are effective and generally safe for treating hair loss in adults with alopecia areata.

research The Use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Literature

17 citations , January 2019 in “Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating hair loss in alopecia areata but need more clinical trials to confirm safety and effectiveness.

research Janus Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata: An Open-Label Comparative Study

66 citations , December 2018 in “Dermatology”

Both ruxolitinib and tofacitinib are effective and safe for treating severe alopecia areata, but relapses are common.

research Role of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

53 citations , July 2018 in “Drug design, development and therapy”

Janus kinase inhibitors show promise in treating alopecia areata but need better topical formulations.

research Successful Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata With Oral or Topical Tofacitinib

4 citations , July 2018 in “PubMed”

Oral and topical tofacitinib can help regrow hair in people with severe alopecia areata.

research Tofacitinib 2% Ointment, a Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Pilot Study of 10 Patients

48 citations , February 2018 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Tofacitinib 2% ointment helped hair regrow in 3 out of 10 patients with alopecia areata, but caused side effects like scalp irritation and raised cholesterol in some.