Autoimmune Alopecia/Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by sudden, patchy hair loss, affecting 2% of the population. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, with trichoscopy and skin biopsy as supportive tools. While mild cases may resolve on their own, severe cases often require treatment. Traditional treatments include topical and oral steroids, but they have variable success and potential side effects. Recently, the FDA approved JAK inhibitors, baricitinib and ritlecitinib, as effective treatments for severe AA. These drugs target the JAK-STAT pathway, crucial in AA's pathogenesis, and have shown positive results in clinical trials. Both are well-tolerated, but further research is needed to confirm their long-term safety and efficacy. The treatment options for AA are expanding with ongoing trials for new targeted therapies.