Review on Alopecia: Disease and Characteristics, Clinical Evaluation, Psychological Impact, and Available Treatment Options

Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common, recurring autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and/or body, affecting individuals of all ages, skin types, and both genders. The development of new diagnostic procedures is necessary, with scalp dermatoscopy emerging as a promising technique for diagnosing difficult-to-identify scalp and hair diseases. In terms of treatment, high-potency topical corticosteroids such as 0.05% clobetasol propionate or 0.25% desoximetasone cream are often used in adults, with response rates of approximately 47% and 60% respectively. Contact immunotherapy (CI therapy) can also be beneficial for individuals with stable conditions, and can be safely and effectively administered at home or in a clinic setting.