TLDR Early onset, severe types, nail changes, family history, and body hair loss worsen alopecia areata prognosis; sticking to treatment helps.
In 2020, a study involving 150 Mexican patients with alopecia areata (AA) identified several prognostic factors affecting the disease's progression. The study found that an early age of onset, the presence of alopecia totalis or universalis, nail changes, and a family history of alopecia areata were associated with a poorer prognosis. Body hair involvement was also linked to poor prognosis and disease progression. Treatment adherence was identified as a modifiable factor associated with the course of AA, with good adherence showing a negative correlation with disease progression. The study concluded that body hair involvement and adherence to treatment are significant factors in the progression and remission of AA.
29 citations,
March 2019 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Older age at onset of alopecia areata leads to less severe and shorter episodes, with most patients experiencing significant hair regrowth.
144 citations,
July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.
162 citations,
October 2014 in “Autoimmunity reviews” Alopecia areata is caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles.
40 citations,
October 2012 in “Dermatologic clinics” More research is needed to understand the genetic causes of Alopecia areata to develop better treatments.
26 citations,
September 2012 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Patients with rapidly progressive alopecia areata often have a better outlook and shorter disease duration, with regrown fine hairs and no past alopecia being positive signs.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.
37 citations,
October 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Oral tofacitinib shows promise in treating atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, but only slight improvement in vitiligo.
18 citations,
January 2010 in “Dermatology Research and Practice” DPCP treatment for alopecia areata can sometimes cause vitiligo.
