Remarkable Improvement of Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata Universalis with 10 Months of Treatment with Tofacitinib: A Case Report

October 2016 in “ Case Reports in Dermatology ”

Sineida Berbert Ferreira, Morton Scheinberg, Denise Steiner, Tatiana Aline Steiner, Gustavo Longhi Bedin, Rachel Berbert Ferreira

alopecia areata universalis tofacitinib corticosteroids immunosuppressants PUVA therapy AAU Xeljanz

TLDR A man with severe hair loss saw hair and nail improvement after 10 months on tofacitinib without side effects.

In 2016, a 38-year-old male with alopecia areata universalis experienced significant hair regrowth and nail improvement after 10 months of treatment with tofacitinib, a drug mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis. Despite failing to respond to previous treatments like corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and PUVA therapy, the patient saw hair return on his scalp, face, and body, and his nail structure normalized, which allowed him to play the guitar again. No negative side effects or lab abnormalities were reported. The case indicates tofacitinib's potential as a treatment for AAU with nail changes, though randomized clinical trials are needed for further validation.

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Research cited in this study

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