TLDR The patient's symptoms improved with treatment but recurred when the steroid dose was reduced, requiring ongoing therapy.
A 49-year-old woman with a 4-year history of generalized pruritus developed symptoms including erythema, alopecia totalis, and follicular hyperkeratoses. Histological examination revealed folliculocentric infiltration by atypical T-cells, primarily CD3(+) and CD4(+), with minimal mucin presence. Initial treatment with PUVA led to partial symptom improvement, while subsequent oral methyl prednisolone further alleviated symptoms and normalized beta 2 microglobulin levels. However, symptoms recurred after reducing the steroid dose, necessitating increased steroid dosage and resumption of PUVA therapy. The patient continued to receive both treatments, with follicular papules observed on the upper extremities.
Different scalp and hair disorders are more common in certain ethnic groups, with the most common being androgenetic alopecia, which is treated with medications like minoxidil and finasteride.
5 citations
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November 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” The document concludes that early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for managing hair loss in children, with a focus on both medical and psychological support.
17 citations
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August 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” The document concludes that oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are effective for genetic hair loss, while other treatments for different types of hair loss show promise but need more research.
35 citations
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May 2012 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” The document concludes that there are various treatments for different types of alopecia, but more research is needed for evidence-based treatments.
34 citations
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April 2009 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy” Some treatments work for common baldness, but there's less evidence for other hair loss types, and more research is needed.
