Alopecia Areata Associated With Dupilumab: A Case Report And Literature Review

This case report and literature review discuss a rare adverse effect of dupilumab, a treatment for atopic dermatitis, which may trigger alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune condition causing hair loss. A 47-year-old female developed AA after six months on dupilumab, but experienced complete hair regrowth within 12 weeks after stopping the drug and starting a new treatment regimen. The case suggests dupilumab may disrupt follicular homeostasis or enhance Th1/Th17 pathways, leading to AA. Clinicians should monitor for AA in patients on dupilumab, especially those with atopic or autoimmune predispositions. The report calls for further research to understand the mechanisms and risk factors, and emphasizes the importance of routine scalp examinations and patient education for early detection of hair loss.