Prescribing Patterns Amongst UK Dermatologists for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata, Female Pattern Hair Loss, and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

This study investigates the prescribing patterns of UK dermatologists for alopecia areata (AA), female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), revealing significant variability in treatment approaches. For mild-moderate AA, topical corticosteroids are commonly used, while oral corticosteroids are preferred for severe cases. Intralesional corticosteroids are considered most effective by 82% of the 26 dermatologists surveyed. The study highlights the introduction of JAK inhibitors as a significant development, though their role in treatment remains unclear. For FPHL, topical minoxidil is the most common first-line treatment, with oral minoxidil deemed most effective. FFA treatments vary widely, indicating uncertainty about their efficacy. Access to certain treatments is often limited to private practice, affecting treatment equity. The findings emphasize the need for better evidence and real-world data to guide treatment decisions and inform policy, particularly regarding the potential NHS approval of JAK inhibitors for AA.