Halo Nevi, Vitiligo, and Diffuse Alopecia Areata Associated with Tocilizumab Therapy

August 2016 in “ Oxford Medical Case Reports ”

Kavitha Nadesalingam, Mark Goodfield, Paul Emery

halo naevi vitiligo diffuse alopecia areata tocilizumab IL-6 sIL-6R melanocytes melanoma melanocytic cytotoxicity

TLDR Tocilizumab therapy may cause skin and hair conditions like halo naevi, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.

A 33-year-old woman with juvenile onset arthritis developed halo naevi, vitiligo, and diffuse alopecia areata while on tocilizumab therapy, following an MRSA infection. This case was the first to describe these events, supporting theories on cellular and humoral immunity as causative factors. The regression of melanocytes during tocilizumab treatment suggested that IL-6 and sIL-6R could be future targets for melanoma treatment due to their direct effect on melanocytic cytotoxicity, aligning with previous studies.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 8 results

community Does 0.5 mg of finasteride reduce SCALP DHT the same as 1 mg?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 15 upvotes 5 months ago

The conversation is about whether 0.5 mg of finasteride reduces scalp DHT as effectively as 1 mg. Users suggest that even lower doses like 0.05 mg can significantly reduce scalp DHT.

community Before and after I thought worth sharing. Started March of 2023. 41 years old.

in Progress Pictures 125 upvotes 2 months ago

A 41-year-old shared before and after hair loss progress pictures, using oral and topical minoxidil, microneedling, and dutasteride. The user reported significant improvement and no side effects from the treatments.

community 3 months on fin/min/derma stamp. 2.5 weeks of hair growth in both pictures

in Progress Pictures 195 upvotes 3 months ago

A user shared progress pictures after 3 months of using finasteride, minoxidil, and a derma stamp, showing 2.5 weeks of hair growth. They reported no side effects and take 1 mg of finasteride daily.

community Guys. Your hairloss and your mental health issues connected to your hairloss are two separate issues that require two separate treatments

in Chat 356 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss and the importance of not letting it affect one's self-worth. The conversation includes advice on treatments such as taking medication, like Minoxidil and Finasteride, and other methods to manage hairloss, such as buzzing your head or seeking professional help.

community Shaved my (transplanted) hair during quarantine

in Shaved/buzzed 105 upvotes 4 years ago

A user shaved their transplanted hair during quarantine and shared positive results after one year, using Minoxidil 5%. They had 1,500 hairs transplanted via the DHI method with no visible scarring.

community When you're balding is it an absolute traumatic period of your life or do some people not care as much?

in Chat 89 upvotes 4 months ago

Balding can be traumatic for many, affecting self-esteem and social interactions, while others accept it more easily. Treatments mentioned include finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Photochemotherapy and Alopecia Areata

10 citations, May 1983 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Some people with severe hair loss saw hair regrowth after a specific light and drug treatment.