Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Tofacitinib and Azathioprine in Patients with Alopecia Areata and Variants: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

Topical tacrolimus is being considered for androgenetic alopecia, though its effectiveness is unproven. Other treatments mentioned include minoxidil, dutasteride, cyclosporine, and teicoplanin, with discussions on blocking the prolactin receptor for hair growth.

An arthritis drug restored significant hair in people with alopecia areata, but it is not effective for male pattern baldness. The drug, Upadacitinib, has serious side effects and is expensive.

The conversation discusses using Rogaine (Minoxidil) and ketoconazole for hair regrowth, with interest in trying a formulation with Azelaic Acid for potentially better results. Concerns about Azelaic Acid's effectiveness and safety, including skin sensitivity to sunburn, are mentioned.

An arthritis drug, baricitinib, is discussed as a potential treatment for autoimmune alopecia, not androgenetic alopecia. Ritlecitinib is also mentioned as a possible treatment for scarring alopecia.

The user is experiencing diffuse thinning and inflammation despite using 2.5mg dutasteride daily, ciclopirox, and ketoconazole shampoos. They are considering treatments like hydroxychloroquine and JAK inhibitors due to suspected scarring alopecia and have faced challenges in obtaining a scalp biopsy.