Insights Into the Diagnostics and Therapeutics of Alopecia Areata: An Indian Context

December 2025 in “ Indian Dermatology Online Journal ”

Rahul Mahajan, Dipankar De

alopecia areata dermoscopy JAK inhibitors topical corticosteroids minoxidil vitamin D analogs Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This study highlights that dermoscopy is an essential, non-invasive tool for diagnosing and monitoring alopecia areata, with various dermoscopic patterns associated with disease severity and activity, but also emphasizes the need for improved topical therapies and standardized criteria, especially for diverse populations. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document discusses the diagnosis and treatment of alopecia areata (AA) in India, highlighting the role of dermoscopy as a practical tool for diagnosis and monitoring. It emphasizes the need for standardized dermoscopic criteria and improved topical drug delivery systems. While systemic therapies like JAK inhibitors have shown efficacy, affordable topical treatments remain crucial in resource-limited settings. Topical therapies, including corticosteroids, minoxidil, and vitamin D analogs, are commonly used, with vitamin D showing a 53.7% response rate in limited disease. The document calls for well-designed trials to assess new treatments and delivery methods, ensuring they are accessible and effective across diverse healthcare environments.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Methotrexate 1% Gel Versus Topical Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.05% Lotion in the Treatment of Localized Scalp Alopecia Areata in a Tertiary Care Institute of Central India: A Randomized Control Trial

research Comparison of the Efficacy of Topical Methotrexate 1% Gel Versus Topical Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.05% Lotion in the Treatment of Localized Scalp Alopecia Areata in a Tertiary Care Institute of Central India: A Randomized Control Trial

August 2025 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

In this study, both methotrexate gel and betamethasone lotion were found to be effective and safe treatments for localized alopecia areata, with similar overall response rates. However, methotrexate gel had a higher incidence of local side effects, such as irritant dermatitis and itching.

research Dermoscopic Analysis of Patients With and Without Poor Prognostic Indicators in Alopecia Areata: A Comparative Study

1 citations , July 2025 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal”

This study identified key dermoscopic markers such as yellow dots, black dots, broken hairs, and coudability hairs, which were associated with a poorer prognosis in alopecia areata patients.

research Treatments for Moderate-to-Severe Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Narrative Review

1 citations , October 2023 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This review concluded that baricitinib and other oral JAK inhibitors have the most robust evidence supporting their use in treating severe alopecia areata in adults, compared to other less-evaluated treatments.

research Trichoscopy Patterns in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2 citations , June 2023 in “Skin Research and Technology”

This study reviewed 39 studies with 3204 patients to identify characteristic trichoscopic findings in alopecia areata, highlighting yellow and black dots, broken, short vellus, and tapering hairs as key indicators. It found no single diagnostic trichoscopic finding but observed trichoscopy's utility in monitoring treatment response.

research The Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Scoping Review Focusing on Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Work Productivity

10 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This review highlights the significant negative impact of alopecia areata on quality of life, mental health, and work, calling for individualized approaches and effective treatments to mitigate these effects.