The Hair Loss Encyclopedia

The Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Alitretinoin in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

January 2026 in “ Annals of Dermatology ”

Jung-Min Shin, Bogyeong Go, Young-Joon Seo, Chang Deok Kim, Kyung Eun Jung, Young Lee, Moon-Bum Kim

alitretinoin alopecia areata AA monotherapy combination therapy

TLDR Alitretinoin may help treat mild to moderate alopecia areata.

Alitretinoin shows promise as a safe and potentially effective treatment for patients with mild to moderate alopecia areata (AA) who do not respond to conventional therapies. While it may be used as a monotherapy or in combination with other treatments, further investigation through larger controlled studies is needed to fully understand its efficacy and mechanism of action.

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Research cited in this study

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research Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Alopecia Areata in Korea: Part II Systemic Treatment

10 citations , January 2023 in “Annals of Dermatology”

The guidelines recommend effective systemic treatments for alopecia areata in Korea.

Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

research Alopecia Areata: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis and Management

99 citations , July 2017 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

New treatments for Alopecia Areata show promise but need to be more effective and affordable.

Double-Stranded RNA Induces Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway and Inflammasome Activation in the Outer Root Sheath Cells of Hair Follicles

research Double-Stranded RNA Induces Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway and Inflammasome Activation in the Outer Root Sheath Cells of Hair Follicles

22 citations , March 2017 in “Scientific reports”

Double-stranded RNA causes inflammation in hair follicle cells, which may help understand and treat alopecia areata.

research Treatment of Alopecia Universalis with Oral Alitretinoin: A Case Report

2 citations , March 2017 in “JAAD case reports”

Oral alitretinoin can quickly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.

research Complete Remission of Alopecia Areata Under Treatment of Chronic Hand Eczema with Alitretinoin

8 citations , January 2013 in “European Journal of Dermatology”

Alitretinoin may help treat alopecia areata.

Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

research Alopecia Areata: An Autoimmune Disease Causing Hair Loss

421 citations , April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.

Pitx2, A β-Catenin-Regulated Transcription Factor, Regulates The Differentiation Of Outer Root Sheath Cells Cultured In Vitro

research Pitx2, A β-Catenin-Regulated Transcription Factor, Regulates The Differentiation Of Outer Root Sheath Cells Cultured In Vitro

51 citations , February 2009 in “Journal of dermatological science”

Pitx2 helps outer root sheath cells differentiate but can't start hair growth on its own.