A Comprehensive Review On Alopecia Areata And Its Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, And Psychosocial Impact
June 2026
in “
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
”
TLDR Alopecia areata causes hair loss and affects mental health, with new treatments like JAK inhibitors offering hope.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder affecting about 2% of the global population, characterized by well-demarcated, non-scarring hair loss that can progress to alopecia totalis or universalis. The condition is primarily driven by autoreactive CD8+ T cells and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, with dermoscopy and histopathology as supportive tools. Recent advancements in treatment include the FDA-approved JAK inhibitors baricitinib and ritlecitinib, marking a significant shift in managing AA. Beyond physical symptoms, AA significantly impacts psychosocial well-being, with high rates of depression and anxiety. This review consolidates current knowledge on AA's epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial effects, highlighting emerging research directions.
