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 antihistamines, cryotherapy, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as potential options, though research on their safety and efficacy was limited. Antihistamines might help due to their anti-inflammatory properties, and cryotherapy showed some promise in small studies, but neither achieved complete hair regrowth. LDN, used for other inflammatory conditions, lacked studies in AA but was being used by some patients and physicians. The document emphasized the need for clinical trials to validate these therapies.
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,
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.
