TLDR Some patients with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome experience hair loss, which may be similar to alopecia areata or linked to skin lesions, possibly due to abnormal T cells, and bexarotene can help treat it.
In a 2011 study, researchers observed that alopecia was present in 2.5% of patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS), with 38 out of 1550 patients affected. Of these, 34% had alopecia areata-like patchy hair loss, while 66% experienced hair loss within MF lesions. The study, which was retrospective and conducted at a single center, found that scalp biopsies from some patients showed atypical T lymphocytes in the follicular epithelium or epidermis, and two patients had follicular mucinosis. The study concluded that alopecia in MF/SS patients can present similarly to alopecia areata or be associated with MF lesions. Additionally, the study found that alopecia in MF and SS might be due to follicular involvement by malignant or activated T lymphocytes, and bexarotene was effective in treating MF-associated hair loss. The similarity in HLA-DR and DQB alleles between alopecia areata and MF suggests a common pathogenesis, warranting further research for better understanding and treatment.
44 citations,
October 2009 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Topical bexarotene 1% gel might help regrow hair in alopecia areata and is generally safe.
24 citations,
January 2008 in “KARGER eBooks” The document concludes that ongoing research using animal models is crucial for better understanding and treating Alopecia Areata.
29 citations,
January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Eyebrow loss has many causes and requires accurate diagnosis for proper treatment.
185 citations,
August 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews” Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles, often influenced by genetics and stress.
19 citations,
March 1997 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Alopecia areata involves specific T-cells, unlike androgenetic alopecia.
1 citations,
August 2022 in “JAAD case reports” Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.
1 citations,
October 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Using minoxidil and tofacitinib together can effectively treat severe hair loss.
August 2018 in “Oxford University Press eBooks” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document cannot be parsed.
8 citations,
August 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss causes in cutaneous lymphoma patients.
July 2013 in “DeckerMed Medicine” The document's conclusion cannot be provided because the document is not readable or understandable.
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.
39 citations,
October 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Some patients with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome experience hair loss, which may be similar to alopecia areata or linked to skin lesions, possibly due to abnormal T cells, and bexarotene can help treat it.
