Dupilumab: Friend or Foe to Alopecia Areata?

The case report discussed the dual role of dupilumab, an IL-4 receptor antagonist, in treating and potentially causing alopecia areata in patients with atopic dermatitis. A 69-year-old woman with a history of atopic dermatitis experienced significant hair regrowth after starting dupilumab, but relapsed after discontinuing the treatment. This highlighted the necessity of continuous treatment to maintain hair regrowth, as stopping dupilumab led to hair loss recurrence. The study suggested that the immunopathogenesis of alopecia areata might involve a complex interplay of Th1, Th2, and Th17 pathways, challenging the traditional binary classification. Further research was needed to identify suitable candidates for dupilumab treatment and understand its effects on alopecia areata.