Two Lines of Attack on Alopecia Areata

The document discussed two primary approaches to treating alopecia areata as of 1981. The first approach involved the use of corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, which was believed to play a role in the condition. The second approach focused on the application of topical irritants to stimulate hair regrowth by causing mild inflammation. Both methods aimed to address the underlying mechanisms of hair loss in alopecia areata, though their effectiveness varied among patients.