TLDR Combining methotrexate and corticosteroids can effectively regrow hair in severe alopecia areata.
A 20-year-old female with severe alopecia areata was treated with a combination of high-dose prednisone, methotrexate, topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, zinc, and Vitamin D, resulting in significant hair regrowth over 6 months and a reduction in the SALT score from 92% to 0.10%. Despite side effects such as steroidal acne and elevated liver enzymes, tapering prednisone while continuing methotrexate led to substantial improvement. The study underscores the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this combination therapy compared to newer JAK inhibitors, highlighting its accessibility and sustainability for severe AA treatment.
Baricitinib quickly improved severe alopecia areata, with almost total hair regrowth in three months.
4 citations
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June 2023 in “Frontiers in immunology” JAK inhibitors help hair regrowth in alopecia areata but have a high risk of side effects.
91 citations
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May 2023 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Alopecia Areata affects 2% globally, with treatments like essential oils, garlic, and JAK inhibitors showing promise, but more research is needed.
290 citations
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August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology” JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.
4 citations
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July 2021 in “Skin Appendage Disorders” Sudden hair whitening may be linked to immune system activity.
14 citations
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January 2019 in “PubMed” Vitamin D might be involved in the development of alopecia areata and could help in its treatment.
105 citations
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March 2014 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Alopecia areata patients often have low vitamin D levels, suggesting they might benefit from vitamin D supplements.
