New treatment for hair loss from alopecia areata

WHO’S AT RISK? Alopecia areata can affect anyone, anytime. But a small study published in the _Annals of Dermatology_ suggests that when it occurs later in life, it is milder. Though the

exact cause of the disease is unknown, it’s thought to be genetic. Having a family history of other autoimmune diseases, and having an underlying autoimmune disease yourself, can increase

your susceptibility to alopecia areata, Ekpo says. For this reason, it’s crucial to ask your doctor for blood tests to rule out other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease, lupus

and vitiligo. Other possibilities? “Viral infections, stressful events in life or exposure to any substance that can become an antigen to the body are a few factors to consider,” James says.

“About 3 percent of people with alopecia areata have celiac disease, and about 40 percent of patients suffer from atopic diseases, [such as] allergies and asthma.”  TREATMENT   Keep in mind

that the type of treatment needed depends on the severity of the disease, so it’s wise to work with a dermatologist to determine the best plan. “One thing may not work for everyone,” Ekpo

says. “With my patients, everything is an individualized treatment approach.” And though treatment may encourage hair growth, it’s possible that hair may fall out again once therapy ends.

Besides Olumiant, patients with severe disease may benefit from topical immunotherapy (aka contact immunotherapy), which involves applying sensitizing chemicals to the bald areas of the

scalp to trigger an allergic reaction. The end goal is to alter the immune response. Additionally, corticosteroids are commonly used to calm inflammation and promote hair growth. For mild

cases of alopecia areata, topical minoxidil combined with topical corticosteroids may be effective. As James explains it, minoxidil pushes the hair into the active phase, stimulating growth.

 Also, many trichologists recommend taking L-tyrosine, an amino acid that “reduces inflammation around the hair follicle and can be of benefit to alopecia areata, unless the person needs

more aggressive interventions,” James says.