August 2025 in “Dermatology and Therapy” This review reports that three JAK inhibitors—baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib—have gained FDA approval for treating alopecia areata due to their demonstrated efficacy in fostering hair regrowth in clinical trials.
3 citations
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June 2025 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 5 citations
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May 2025 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” April 2025 in “Acta Dermato Venereologica” In this real-world study, JAK inhibitors like abrocitinib and tofacitinib led to substantial hair regrowth in 61% of alopecia areata patients over a median of 16 months, with 75% of non-responders achieving regrowth after switching medications; however, two serious adverse events were noted.
2 citations
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February 2025 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” This retrospective study observed that switching from tofacitinib to baricitinib improved hair growth in patients with alopecia areata, particularly for previous non-responders, and noted fewer side effects with baricitinib.
November 2024 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” This study found that nearly 40% of patients with severe alopecia areata who showed eyebrow or eyelash regrowth on baricitinib 4 mg achieved significant scalp hair regrowth by the second year of treatment.
20 citations
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October 2024 in “British Journal of Dermatology” In this updated guideline, the British Association of Dermatologists' expert group provided 49 management recommendations for alopecia areata and highlighted future research priorities, aiming to improve care for individuals affected by this condition.
11 citations
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September 2024 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Switching JAK inhibitors or using dupilumab may help some alopecia areata patients who don't respond well to initial treatments.
August 2024 in “JAMA Dermatology” In this study, withdrawal of baricitinib therapy in patients with severe alopecia areata who had achieved hair regrowth led to a loss of benefit in almost all patients, suggesting that continued treatment is necessary to maintain hair regrowth.
63 citations
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July 2024 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” This study found that the oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor deuruxolitinib effectively promoted hair regrowth and patient satisfaction in adults with alopecia areata over 24 weeks.
20 citations
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January 2024 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” This study conducted a meta-analysis and found that among therapies for alopecia areata, baricitinib_4 mg was most likely to be effective, followed by ritlecitinib and ivarmacitinib, while other treatments like dupilumab and secukinumab were less effective.
4 citations
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January 2024 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” This consensus statement outlines a treatment algorithm for alopecia areata, detailing systemic treatment indications and options, including EMA-approved medications baricitinib and ritlecitinib for severe cases, as well as other off-label treatments and adjuvant therapies like oral minoxidil.
September 2023 in “British Journal of Dermatology” In this study, researchers identified subgroups of patients with severe alopecia areata treated with baricitinib who experienced early, gradual, or late hair regrowth, finding that response was influenced by baseline disease severity and duration of hair loss.
57 citations
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August 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” JAK inhibitors and platelet-rich plasma show promise for treating alopecia areata.
1 citations
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August 2023 in “JAMA Dermatology” In this study, baricitinib 4 mg led to greater scalp, eyebrow, and eyelash hair regrowth in severe alopecia areata patients than baricitinib 2 mg at weeks 36 and 52.
227 citations
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April 2023 in “The Lancet” Ritlecitinib effectively treats alopecia areata and is well-tolerated.
20 citations
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February 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” In this study, 40.9% of patients taking 4 mg baricitinib and 21.2% taking 2 mg achieved significant hair regrowth over 52 weeks, indicating potential long-term benefits for adults with severe alopecia areata without introducing new safety concerns.
23 citations
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August 2022 in “JAMA Dermatology” In this study, patients with alopecia areata indicated a preference for shared decision-making (SDM) with their dermatologists, and those who engaged in SDM reported less decisional regret about their treatment choices.
July 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy” This study reported that both topical methotrexate 1% gel and minoxidil 5% gel were effective in treating localized alopecia areata, with no significant differences in efficacy between the two treatments.
2 citations
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March 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy” This study found that using topical latanoprost 0.005% solution significantly increased hair density and regrowth in patients with scalp alopecia areata over 12 weeks, although it did not significantly reduce hair loss area compared to the placebo.
2 citations
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January 2021 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” This study found that topical betamethasone dipropionate was more effective than topical latanoprost in reducing the area and promoting hair regrowth in patients with localized alopecia areata, though latanoprost was considered safer.
3 citations
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November 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was more effective than saline for hair regrowth in scalp alopecia areata, with 10 mg/mL showing the best response but more side effects.
86 citations
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January 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology” This study developed the Alopecia Areata Investigator Global Assessment (AA-IGA) to measure scalp-hair loss in alopecia areata patients, incorporating perspectives of both patients and clinicians to define treatment success.
23 citations
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September 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” In this retrospective analysis, combination therapy with tofacitinib and oral minoxidil led to significant scalp hair regrowth in patients with severe alopecia areata, with 67% achieving at least 75% regrowth, although the small sample size limits the findings.
49 citations
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August 2018 in “International Journal of Dermatology” In this phase I study, partial hair regrowth was observed in patients with alopecia universalis using topical JAK inhibitors, though more research is needed to confirm potential as a treatment alternative to clobetasol.
15 citations
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January 2018 in “Annals of Dermatology” Wigs significantly improve the well-being of people with severe hair loss.
69 citations
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April 2017 in “BMJ open” This study found that people with alopecia who worry about not wearing a wig reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, although wig use increased social confidence for many.
62 citations
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October 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy” This study found that platelet-rich plasma was more effective for treating alopecia areata than topical 5% minoxidil, leading to earlier hair regrowth and reduction in hair abnormalities.
50 citations
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July 2015 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” This study found that 2.5 mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide injections were as effective as higher doses for treating limited, patchy alopecia areata, while minimizing side effects like skin atrophy.
35 citations
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is effective for treating localized patchy alopecia areata, with dermoscopy aiding in early detection of clinical response and adverse effects.
9 citations
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December 2012 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Wearing wigs or hairpieces improves self-esteem, adaptability, and competence in women with alopecia areata.
13 citations
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July 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” This study found that topical pimecrolimus is as effective as clobetasol propionate for treating alopecia areata, with better tolerability in terms of side effects.
114 citations
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October 2006 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” In this study, clobetasol propionate foam demonstrated effectiveness and good patient compliance as a safe topical treatment for moderate to severe alopecia areata, with significant hair regrowth compared to placebo.
100 citations
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July 2006 in “British Journal of Dermatology” This study found that intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections using a needleless injector led to rapid hair regrowth in patients with limited alopecia areata, while lasting growth was rare in alopecia totalis.
141 citations
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February 2005 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” In this study, oral prednisolone pulse therapy led to significant hair regrowth in some patients with extensive alopecia areata, whereas no improvement was seen in the placebo group.
146 citations
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July 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” In this study, clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was found to induce hair regrowth in 28.5% of patients with severe alopecia areata under occlusive conditions, though long-term benefit was limited to 17.8%.
33 citations
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July 1992 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Minoxidil doesn't affect perifollicular lymphoid infiltration in alopecia areata patients.
34 citations
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November 1987 in “Archives of Dermatology” This study found that oral minoxidil showed limited cosmetic effectiveness in treating severe alopecia areata, with only 18% of patients experiencing a noticeable response.
101 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.
104 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.
54 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” In this study, 3% topical minoxidil showed some efficacy in hair regrowth for patients with extensive alopecia areata, especially those with less than total scalp hair loss, but did not lead to complete remission.
18 citations
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March 1984 in “BMJ” Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia, but more research needed.
80 citations
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October 1983 in “BMJ” This study found that 1% topical minoxidil induced significant hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata, though it was less effective for those with extensive hair loss such as alopecia totalis and universalis.
