Diagnosis and Treatment of Alopecia Areata

January 2016 in “ Journal of The Korean Medical Association ”

Young Lee

alopecia areata autoimmune disease hair loss genetic factors environmental factors hair pull tests skin biopsies dermoscopy topical steroids cyclosporine atopy immune diseases ophiasis pattern AA steroid creams

Studysummary This paper discusses alopecia areata, its autoimmune nature, factors influencing susceptibility, diagnostic challenges, and treatment limitations, concluding that no current therapy is curative or preventive; it reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

In 2016, a document outlined the diagnosis and treatment of alopecia areata (AA), a chronic autoimmune disease causing hair loss. AA has a 1.7% lifetime risk and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis is complex due to conditions with similar symptoms, but can be aided by patient history, hair pull tests, and skin biopsies or dermoscopy. There is no cure or preventive treatment for AA, and options vary based on age and severity of hair loss. Indicators of poor prognosis include atopy, other immune diseases, family history, early onset, and ophiasis pattern. Treatments range from topical steroids to cyclosporine, but recurrence cannot be prevented. Prognosis is generally better for those with limited scalp involvement but poorer for those with extensive hair loss, early-onset, and recurrent cases. The document serves as a guideline for clinicians in diagnosing and treating AA, emphasizing the importance of understanding the disease's pathophysiology, diagnosis challenges, and treatment strategies.

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