TLDR Rituximab can cause skin issues, but baricitinib may help improve them.
This case report describes a 30-year-old woman with myasthenia gravis who developed vitiligo and alopecia universalis during long-term rituximab therapy. The patient exhibited well-demarcated depigmented patches and diffuse non-scarring alopecia, leading to a 100% Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. Rituximab was discontinued due to a suspected drug reaction, and treatment with oral Baricitinib was initiated. Within 3 months, significant scalp hair regrowth and re-pigmentation of vitiligo patches were observed with minimal adverse effects. This case highlights the potential for immune-related skin adverse effects during rituximab therapy and suggests that early intervention with Janus kinase inhibitors like baricitinib may result in favorable outcomes.
February 2026 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Alopecia areata cases in children are rising, especially in females and low-income regions, with a projected increase in China and decrease in the USA.
September 2025 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Baricitinib is a promising treatment for alopecia areata in the UAE, but there are challenges with data and access.
April 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Alopecia areata and vitiligo share immune system dysfunction but differ in specific immune responses and affected areas.
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March 2023 in “JAMA Dermatology” Alopecia areata and its severe forms are becoming more common, especially among females, adults, and people in the Northeast.
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January 2017 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” JAK inhibitors show promise for treating skin conditions like eczema, hair loss, and psoriasis.
March 2026 in “SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología” Rituximab may cause skin issues, but baricitinib can help improve them.
Alopecia Areata causes hair loss and needs treatments that address both physical and emotional health.
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June 2022 in “Frontiers in medicine” There are still challenges in diagnosing and treating chronic skin diseases, but there is hope for future improvements.
March 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The document lists various dermatology topics, treatments, and diagnostic methods.
