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,
March 2018 in “Allergy and asthma proceedings” People with alopecia areata often have higher rates of allergies and autoimmune diseases.
53 citations,
January 2018 in “JAAD case reports” Dupilumab for eczema may cause hair loss.
182 citations,
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,
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,
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,
October 2016 in “Pediatric dermatology” Stopping the use of fluocinolone oil containing balsam fragrance improved hair regrowth in children allergic to it.
4 citations,
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.
