Dupilumab Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis Leading to Unexpected Treatment for Alopecia Universalis
January 2019
in “
JAAD case reports
”
TLDR A medication for skin rash also unexpectedly treated hair loss in a patient.
A 49-year-old woman with refractory atopic dermatitis and alopecia universalis experienced significant improvement in both conditions after starting dupilumab treatment. Her atopic dermatitis, previously covering up to 50% of her body surface area, reduced to less than 5%, and she achieved full scalp hair regrowth after 8 months of therapy, which she had not had for 6 years. This case suggested that dupilumab, an IL-4 and IL-13 monoclonal antibody, might be effective for treating alopecia universalis, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings. No adverse effects were reported.