TLDR IL-4 and IL-13 might play a role in a type of hair loss similar to alopecia areata.
The document from 2020 presented three clinical cases that suggested the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, associated with the T helper type 2 (Th2) pathway, may contribute to an alopecia areata (AA)-like phenotype. Traditionally, AA was considered a T helper type 1 (Th1)–mediated disorder. However, these cases indicated that Th2 activity could also play a role in AA. The first patient, a 19-year-old female with a food allergy, showed hair regrowth after eliminating the allergenic food from her diet. The second patient, a 26-year-old female with food and environmental allergies, experienced hair regrowth after treatment with tofacitinib. The third patient, a 13-year-old female with atopic dermatitis and alopecia totalis, showed hair regrowth after treatment with dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-4 that downregulates Th2 activity. These cases suggested that IL-4 and IL-13 may contribute to the immunopathogenesis of an AA-like phenotype in some patients.
27 citations
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March 2018 in “Allergy and asthma proceedings” People with alopecia areata often have higher rates of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
53 citations
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January 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Dupilumab for eczema may cause hair loss.
182 citations
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December 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Some treatments can help with a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, but none ensure lasting results; choices depend on the person, with JAK inhibitors showing promise for severe cases.
16 citations
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June 2017 in “Advances in Therapy” New treatments for hair loss are showing promise due to better understanding of genetics and the immune system.
77 citations
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June 2017 in “Advances in Therapy” New treatments for Alopecia Areata, like JAK inhibitors, show promise for hair regrowth and are likely to change future treatment approaches.
11 citations
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October 2016 in “Pediatric dermatology” Stopping the use of fluocinolone oil containing balsam fragrance improved hair regrowth in children allergic to it.
4 citations
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November 2015 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” Eosinophilic esophagitis may trigger alopecia areata in some patients.
October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)” People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.
