TLDR Hydroxychloroquine may help hair regrowth in alopecia universalis.
This case report described a 61-year-old female with a 20-year history of alopecia universalis who experienced significant hair regrowth on her scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and arms after being treated with hydroxychloroquine for granuloma annulare. Although alopecia areata and its more severe forms, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, typically have unpredictable courses with no universally proven therapies, this case suggested that hydroxychloroquine might have potential benefits. The literature review indicated that hydroxychloroquine had variable success in treating these conditions.
4 citations
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January 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Tofacitinib was found to be a safe and effective treatment for hair regrowth in patients with alopecia areata.
3 citations
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September 2021 in “Journal of Nepal Medical Association” A woman with complete hair loss and severe hyperthyroidism was successfully treated with azathioprine and hydroxychloroquine.
17 citations
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March 2018 in “Pediatric dermatology” Hydroxychloroquine may help treat alopecia areata in children.
70 citations
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February 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery” Topical drugs and near-infrared light therapy show potential for treating alopecia.
71 citations
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December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings” There are no FDA-approved treatments for Alopecia Areata, and current options have varying success and relapse rates.
11 citations
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May 2013 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Hydroxychloroquine helped two people regrow hair lost from alopecia totalis.
3 citations
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January 2023 in “SAGE Open Medical Case Reports” Hydroxychloroquine may help hair regrowth in alopecia universalis.
May 2018 in “Journal of cosmetology & trichology” Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with prostaglandin-F eye drops can significantly regrow hair in alopecia universalis.
36 citations
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May 2011 in “Dermatologic therapy” No treatments fully cure or prevent alopecia areata; some help but have side effects or need more research.
31 citations
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January 1981 PUVA-therapy is not very effective for severe hair loss types like alopecia totalis or universalis.
