Partial Restoration of Scalp Microbiota in Alopecia Areata with JAK Inhibitors

This study analyzed scalp microbiota in 27 alopecia areata (AA) patients and 4 healthy controls, revealing an altered ratio of gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria in AA patients. After 52 weeks of treatment with JAK inhibitors (ritlecitinib or deuruxolitinib), most microbiota variations were restored, except for Proteobacteriota. These changes were consistent regardless of patient demographics or disease severity. The findings highlight the potential impact of JAK inhibitors on the skin microbiome and suggest new avenues for personalized AA treatments.