TLDR The girl with autoimmune hair loss might regrow hair within a year, and treatments can help but not prevent recurrence; dermatologist referral and corticosteroids are recommended.
In 2011, a case study of a 13-year-old girl with alopecia areata, a non-scarring autoimmune hair loss condition, was discussed. The girl presented with patchy hair loss, and a hair-pull test supported the diagnosis. Although hair often regrows within a year in 95% of cases, treatments like intralesional steroids and topical corticosteroids can expedite this process but do not prevent future episodes. Long-term benefits of treatments such as topical steroids and minoxidil were not proven, and severe cases might require topical immunotherapy, with treatments like anthralin and PUVA being prescribed by experienced clinicians due to potential adverse effects. The psychological impact of hair loss in adolescents was noted, and the importance of patient education and specialist referrals was emphasized. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation was identified as a resource for support. The document concluded that dermatologist referral is often necessary, with corticosteroids as the first-line treatment and hair regrowth typically seen within 6 months to a year, though recurrence is common.
69 citations,
May 2009 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Stress might contribute to hair loss in alopecia areata.
164 citations,
April 2008 in “Cochrane library” Current treatments for alopecia show no significant long-term benefits.
151 citations,
February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.
29 citations,
July 2003 in “PubMed” Hair loss affects both genders and can impact well-being, with treatments available for various types.
4 citations,
September 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” Various treatments exist for alopecia areata, but none are completely satisfactory; choice depends on age, disease extent, and preference.
16 citations,
January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders” Intralesional corticosteroids work best for mild alopecia areata, and DPCP works best for moderate to severe cases.
29 citations,
June 2013 in “Journal of the Saudi Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss condition treated with corticosteroids, and histologic confirmation is the best diagnosis method.
January 2016 in “Springer eBooks” Alopecia Areata is an unpredictable autoimmune hair loss condition with limited and variable treatment effectiveness.
17 citations,
December 2001 in “Dermatologic therapy” Different treatments for alopecia areata have unpredictable results and varying success rates.
1 citations,
March 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Current treatments for Alopecia Areata have mixed success, and there's a need for better, more accessible options and support for affected individuals.
