TLDR Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting hair follicles, with unclear causes and a need for better treatments.
Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune disease, had an unclear pathogenesis as of 2009. Research suggested that certain class II human leukocyte antigen alleles and the collapse of hair follicle immune privilege were key factors. Stress was also identified as a potential contributor. Despite these findings, the genetics and environmental factors involved remained uncertain, and there was a lack of quality evidence supporting the efficacy of existing treatments.
Cited in this study
7 / 7 results
69 citations
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March 2008 in “The American journal of pathology” Controlled delivery of specific RNA and IL-4 restored hair growth in mice with autoimmune alopecia.
159 citations
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December 2007 in “American Journal of Pathology” Stress-related substance P may lead to hair loss and negatively affect hair growth.
151 citations
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February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.
36 citations
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December 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Topical latanoprost doesn't effectively regrow hair in severe eyebrow alopecia areata cases.
4 citations
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July 2005 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Topical PUVA and tacrolimus ointment can effectively and safely treat infant alopecia universalis.
66 citations
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July 2003 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Betamethasone valerate foam is more effective and safe for treating mild-to-moderate alopecia areata than betamethasone dipropionate lotion.
104 citations
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth in 63.6% of alopecia patients, with 27.3% having excellent results.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.
