Oral Tofacitinib: A Promising Treatment in Atopic Dermatitis, Alopecia Areata, and Vitiligo

    October 2017 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”
    Mi Vu, Christopher Heyes, Susan J. Robertson, George Varigos, Gayle Ross
    Image of study
    TLDR Oral tofacitinib shows promise in treating atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, but only slight improvement in vitiligo.
    The document discussed a case where oral tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK)-1/3 inhibitor, was used to treat a 44-year-old man with atopic dermatitis (AD), alopecia areata (AA), and vitiligo, which were refractory to other treatments. Tofacitinib is thought to benefit AD by downregulating the T helper 2 immune response and may also affect AA and vitiligo by downregulating interferon (IFN)-y signaling. The patient showed significant improvement in AD after 3 months, with a complete remission (Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score from 14.4 to 0.0), and slow but continued improvement in AA with increased hair growth. However, only marginal improvement was observed in vitiligo (Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score from 4.68 to 3.95). Tofacitinib was well tolerated with no serious adverse effects, although monitoring for potential side effects like hyperlipidemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, anaemia, hepatitis, and elevated serum creatinine and creatine kinase levels was necessary. The case adds to the limited evidence supporting the use of tofacitinib in these conditions, but randomized controlled studies are needed to validate its efficacy.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 8 results
      Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      in Research  865 upvotes 5 months ago
      The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

      community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

      in Chat  35 upvotes 6 months ago
      Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

      community IGE Hair Loss and Miniaturization

      in Chat  2 upvotes 5 days ago
      A 23-year-old male is experiencing diffuse hair loss and miniaturization, possibly due to high IGE levels after using tofacitinib. He seeks advice and has not yet consulted a dermatologist.

      community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

       6 upvotes 9 years ago
      A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

      community No hair, don't care! [24/F] :)

       61 upvotes 9 years ago
      A woman with alopecia universalis shares her positive experience of being bald, finding it freeing and less worrisome. She also discusses her skincare routine using Korean products.

    Related Research

    3 / 3 results