The Multi-Faceted Role of Gut Microbiota in Alopecia Areata

June 2025 in “ Biomedicines ”

Andrea Severino, Serena Porcari, Debora Rondinella, Enrico Capuano, T. Rozera, Francesco Kaitsas, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Cammarota, Gianluca Ianiro

TLDR Gut bacteria may influence hair loss in alopecia areata.

Recent research suggests that gut microbiota may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) through the gut-skin axis. Gut dysbiosis can disrupt intestinal barrier integrity and immune tolerance, affecting T regulatory cells and potentially contributing to the onset and progression of AA. This review examines the evidence linking gut microbiota to AA, exploring its pathogenetic role and potential as a therapeutic target.

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10 citations , April 2024 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

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March 2024 in “Nutrients”

Alopecia Areata is linked to specific gut bacteria and metabolites, indicating a complex gut microbiome.

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2 citations , February 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Gut health affects skin diseases, and probiotics might help.

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October 2023 in “PubMed”

Changes in gut and skin bacteria are linked to different hair loss conditions, and treatments like fecal transplants and probiotics might help, but more research is needed.

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4 citations , October 2022 in “Genes”

Our microbiome may affect the development of the hair loss condition Alopecia Areata, but more research is needed to understand this relationship.

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JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

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40 citations , September 2019 in “World journal of clinical cases”

An elderly man's hair grew back after a treatment that transferred healthy gut bacteria.

Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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127 citations , January 2013 in “PLOS ONE”

Probiotic bacteria improved skin and hair health in aged mice.

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109 citations , May 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can lead to complete baldness, often associated with other autoimmune conditions, and half of the cases may see hair return within a year.

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Lactococcus lactis strain H61 may reduce some ageing symptoms.

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61 citations , February 2003 in “Experimental Dermatology”

Soy oil and genistein reduce hair loss risk in mice.