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The Journal of Investigative... Dec 2013Alopecia areata is a complex genetic, immune-mediated disease that targets anagen hair follicles. The disease affects children and adults and is characterized by round... (Review)
Review
Alopecia areata is a complex genetic, immune-mediated disease that targets anagen hair follicles. The disease affects children and adults and is characterized by round or oval patches of hair loss, loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis), body hair (alopecia universalis), or ophiasis pattern hair loss. Patients may also present with patchy loss in multiple hair-bearing areas. Commonly associated diseases include asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, thyroid disease, and automimmune diseases, such as thyroiditis and vitiligo. Nail abnormalities may precede, follow, or occur concurrently with hair loss activity. Alopecia areata has no known age, race, or ethnic preponderance and in contrast to other autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis or lupus, the hair follicle does not usually sustain permanent injury and maintains its potential to regrow hair. It is estimated that alopecia areata affects between six and seven million individuals in the United States. Genes, the immune and nervous systems have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. Although many treatments are available, there is still no cure. Bolstered by new scientific and translational opportunities from recently published genome-wide association studies, an ambitious treatment development program has recently been initiated by the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Hair Follicle; Humans; Neuropeptides
PubMed: 24326541
DOI: 10.1038/jidsymp.2013.4 -
British Medical Journal Feb 1977
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Autoimmune Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 837086
DOI: No ID Found -
Lancet (London, England) Jan 1953
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Alopecia; Alopecia Areata; Cortisone
PubMed: 13012012
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the European Academy of... Jan 2017Alopecia areata on the beard area (BAA) is a common clinical manifestation, but there are no studies about its characteristics. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Alopecia areata on the beard area (BAA) is a common clinical manifestation, but there are no studies about its characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, evolution, diagnostic findings and therapeutic choices in a series of patients with BAA.
METHODS
This retrospective multicentre review included patients diagnosed with BAA as the first and unique clinical manifestation with at least 12 months of follow-up. Diagnosis was performed based on the typical clinical features. Extra-beard involvement was monitored in all cases.
RESULTS
Overall, 55 male patients with a mean age of 39.1 years (range 20-74) were included. Twenty-five patients (45.5%) developed alopecia of the scalp during follow-up and more than 80% of cases appeared in the first 12.4 months. Clinical presentation of AA on the scalp was patchy AA (less than 5 patches) (52%), multifocal AA (28%), AA totalis (12%) and AA universalis (8%). Multivariate analysis revealed a trend of association between scalp involvement and family history of AA without statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
According to this study, BAA may progress to scalp AA in a significant number of patients (45.5% of the patients with a follow-up interval of at least 12 months). In the group of patients who developed scalp AA, 80% of them did it within the first 12 months, so follow-up of patients with BAA is highly encouraged.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Alopecia Areata; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 27503140
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13896 -
Skinmed 2016The prognosis of alopecia areata is better in cases with single and small lesions, and the variability of the extension of the disease is one of the criteria for the... (Review)
Review
The prognosis of alopecia areata is better in cases with single and small lesions, and the variability of the extension of the disease is one of the criteria for the choice of treatment modality. Several medications have been described in the literature for the treatment of alopecia areata, including corticosteroids, minoxidil, and diphencyprone. The authors review treatments for alopecia areata.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Alopecia Areata; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Minoxidil; Prognosis; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 27871349
DOI: No ID Found -
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E... Feb 2014This review focuses on recent changes in the clinical, pathogenetic and therapeutic developments with regards to Alopecia Areata. Some new clinical forms and some... (Review)
Review
This review focuses on recent changes in the clinical, pathogenetic and therapeutic developments with regards to Alopecia Areata. Some new clinical forms and some phenomena have been described for the first time in recent years. Several phenomena previously observed such as the Renbok, the Koebner and the possibility that an exclamation mark hair can resume its physiological growth have been confirmed. The pathogenetic role of cytotoxic cells is increasingly evident, as well as the deficit of cells and the factors regulating the autoimmune response. The concept of immune privilege of the hair follicle has had further confirmation and have been identified some of the molecular mechanisms such as the expression of the receptors for killer lymphocytes on the trichokeratinocytes of the Outer Root Sheat. There is a renewed interest on the possible role of mast cell as a key element in the acute and chronic phases of the disease. New therapies are focused on the inhibition of the killer cells directed against antigens not yet fully specified of the hair follicle and on the restoration of the immune privilege of this structure. Alopecia Areata is a disease with high emotional impact, able to reduce the quality of life of patients and their family entourage. It is often frustrating for those affected and for the therapists due to its evolution quite unpredictable and the mixed response to the few validated therapies. Investment in research originate almost exclusively from voluntary associations of patients, which need to be known and supported.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Autoimmunity; Cataract; Combined Modality Therapy; Comorbidity; Dermatologic Agents; Dermoscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; HLA-D Antigens; Hair Color; Hair Follicle; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Immunotherapy; Infections; Male; Mental Disorders; Nail Diseases; Prevalence; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 24566564
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Dermatology Feb 2024
Topics: Humans; Alopecia Areata; COVID-19; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38198177
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.5559 -
Dermatologic Clinics Jul 1987Although a specific etiology remains undetermined, most evidence points to an autoimmune pathogenesis for alopecia areata. Treatments for alopecia areata are likely to... (Review)
Review
Although a specific etiology remains undetermined, most evidence points to an autoimmune pathogenesis for alopecia areata. Treatments for alopecia areata are likely to remain palliative until its etiology is better understood. Even it prolonged remissions cannot always be achieved with the treatments presently available, preservation of hair regrowth with maintenance therapy is a reasonable goal. When this is not possible, the value of supportive interaction with patient and family should not be minimized, as the psychologic effects of the disease can be great. Support groups such as those sponsored by the Alopecia Areata Foundation cna assist the physician in this endeavor.
Topics: Alopecia Areata; Humans
PubMed: 3301112
DOI: No ID Found -
Seminars in Dermatology Mar 1995Aproximately 1% of the population will have had alopecia areata by the age of 50 and the peak incidence occurs in children and young adults. All body hair may be... (Review)
Review
Aproximately 1% of the population will have had alopecia areata by the age of 50 and the peak incidence occurs in children and young adults. All body hair may be affected including lashes and brows. Alopecia areata is a systemic disease with frequent involvement of nails or eyes. Alopecia areata has been associated with atopic dermatitis, autoimmune disease, vitiligo, and endocrine disease. The pathogenesis is unclear. There is no excellent therapy for alopecia areata although many interventions are tried. Immunotherapy with diphenylcyprone is currently being optimistically evaluated. The harmful psychological effects of alopecia areata in children must be anticipated and prevented.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alopecia Areata; Autoimmune Diseases; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Endocrine System Diseases; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Vitiligo
PubMed: 7742246
DOI: 10.1016/s1085-5629(05)80033-1 -
Postgraduate Medicine Jun 2000Alopecia areata is a common disorder usually diagnosed on the basis of history and physical findings alone. Although most patients have a good prognosis and can be... (Review)
Review
Alopecia areata is a common disorder usually diagnosed on the basis of history and physical findings alone. Although most patients have a good prognosis and can be successfully treated with available medications, treatment can be slow and emotionally difficult. Early recognition, intervention involving topical and/or intralesional therapy, and education can provide patients with comforting reassurance about eventual recovery.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Alopecia Areata; Animals; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Mice; United States
PubMed: 10887448
DOI: 10.3810/pgm.2000.06.1111