Alopecia areata

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 1
Author(s): Lauren C. Strazzulla, Eddy Hsi Chun Wang, Lorena Avila, Kristen Lo Sicco, Nooshin Brinster, Angela M. Christiano, Jerry Shapiro
Many therapies are available for the treatment of alopecia areata, including topical, systemic, and injectable modalities. However, these treatment methods produce variable clinical outcomes and there are no currently available treatments that induce and sustain remission. When making management decisions, clinicians must first stratify patients into pediatric versus adult populations. Disease severity should then be determined (limited vs extensive) before deciding the final course of therapy. The second article in this continuing medical education series describes the evidence supporting new treatment methods, among them Janus kinase inhibitors. We evaluate the evidence concerning the efficacy, side effects, and durability of these medications. An overview of conventional therapy is also provided with new insights gleaned from recent studies. Finally, future promising therapeutic options that have not yet been fully evaluated will also be presented.