Taiwanese Dermatological Association Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia Areata

The Taiwanese Dermatological Association has developed a consensus on the diagnosis and management of alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder causing hair loss, to address the lack of treatment guidelines in Taiwan. Through expert panel meetings held between 2023 and 2024, recommendations were made for clinical classification, diagnosis, severity evaluation, and treatment options. For mild to moderate AA, first-line treatments include topical or intralesional corticosteroids, with or without topical 5% minoxidil. Severe cases may require oral or intravenous corticosteroids or oral Janus kinase inhibitors, possibly combined with topical or intralesional corticosteroids. The consensus emphasizes the importance of addressing the psychological and social impacts of AA, advocating for personalized treatment plans through shared decision-making between physicians and patients.