TLDR Dupilumab may cause significant hair loss, which can reverse after stopping the drug.
This case report described a 27-year-old Hispanic man who developed drug-induced alopecia after 18 weeks of dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis. Despite initial improvements in his skin condition, he experienced significant hair loss, which did not improve with topical treatments. A punch biopsy revealed alopecia areata-like hair miniaturization and severe sebaceous gland atrophy. After discontinuing dupilumab and receiving intralesional steroid injections, the patient's hair loss reversed within 8 weeks. The report suggested a strong correlation between dupilumab and alopecia, though causation could not be definitively established. Further research was recommended to understand the underlying mechanisms and to guide treatment.
53 citations,
January 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Dupilumab for eczema may cause hair loss.
176 citations,
August 2015 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology” Alopecia areata involves immune activation in the scalp, suggesting treatments targeting TH1, TH2, and IL-23 pathways.
72 citations,
February 2011 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology” Anti-TNF therapy can cause a unique type of hair loss that may get better with topical treatments without stopping the therapy.
October 2024 in “Journal of Education Health and Sport” Alopecia areata treatment should be personalized, using topical or systemic therapies based on severity, with promising options like JAK inhibitors needing more research.
6 citations,
October 2022 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” The review shows how to properly diagnose and treat the loss of eyebrow and eyelash hair.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” The document is a detailed medical reference on skin and genetic disorders.
12 citations,
August 2019 in “Dermatitis” Dupilumab for skin problems might reactivate hair loss in some patients.
11 citations,
January 2022 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Alopecia areata is a chronic condition causing hair loss, with new treatments targeting the immune system showing promise.
