TLDR New therapies for alopecia areata show potential but need more research.
The document discussed emerging unconventional therapies for alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease with no approved treatments. It highlighted the potential of antihistamines, cryotherapy, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as alternative treatments. Antihistamines may help due to their anti-inflammatory properties, with some evidence suggesting they can enhance hair regrowth. Cryotherapy showed mixed results, with some studies indicating it could be effective but not as much as traditional treatments like intralesional steroids. LDN, though promising in other inflammatory conditions, lacked specific studies for AA. Overall, these therapies require further clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and safety.
16 citations,
October 2016 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Superficial cryotherapy is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata, with better results when used early and frequently.
69 citations,
October 2013 in “Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology” Naltrexone did not significantly reduce hair pulling but improved cognitive flexibility.
6 citations,
May 2012 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Fexofenadine may help treat a difficult type of hair loss.
6 citations,
March 2019 in “JAAD case reports” A new mix of anthralin and calcipotriene might help treat severe hair loss.
148 citations,
December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.
4 citations,
November 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Alopecia areata can sometimes appear as a straight line of hair loss instead of round patches.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
110 citations,
December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Alopecia areata is a genetic and immune-related hair loss condition that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases and does not typically cause permanent damage to hair follicles.
