TLDR Topical PUVA and tacrolimus ointment can effectively and safely treat infant alopecia universalis.
An 11-month-old boy with alopecia universalis was treated with topical PUVA radiation and 0.03% tacrolimus ointment, resulting in complete hair regrowth on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes within 3 months. The treatment involved twice-weekly PUVA for the scalp and twice-daily tacrolimus for the eyebrows, with a total UVA exposure of 68 j/cm² over 36 treatments. No side effects were observed, and there was no recurrence during a 6-month follow-up, suggesting that topical PUVA could be an effective and safe treatment for AU in infants.
15 citations,
April 2003 in “Journal of dermatology” Alopecia areata causes hair loss due to an immune attack on hair follicles, influenced by genetics and environment.
151 citations,
February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.
12 citations,
January 2011 in “Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine” This therapy effectively treats resistant alopecia areata with minimal side effects.
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.
No treatment alters the natural progression of alopecia areata, and effectiveness varies, with some possibly working better in children.
February 2024 in “Sohag Medical Journal” Various local treatments for alopecia areata show promise, but individualized plans and more research are needed.
