Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of the body. It affects around 2% of people in their lifetime, making it one of the most common causes of hair loss. The good news is that research into alopecia treatments has advanced significantly in recent years. In this article we talk about What Are the Latest Treatments for Alopecia Areata?
What Causes Alopecia Areata?
Before diving into the treatments, it’s helpful to understand what causes alopecia areata. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing them to stop producing hair. What triggers this immune response is still being investigated, but genetics and environmental factors like stress or trauma likely play a role.
The end result is smooth, round bald patches that may come and go. While not physically harmful, alopecia can greatly impact a person’s emotional wellbeing and self-image. Finding ways to regrow hair has been a top priority for dermatologists and researchers.
The Latest in Alopecia Areata Treatments
Exciting progress has been made in alopecia treatment research in recent years. Treatments currently being studied take a variety of approaches to encourage hair regrowth and prevent the immune system from attacking follicles. Some of the most promising include:
JAK Inhibitors
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are emerging as one of the most exciting treatment options for alopecia areata. JAK inhibitors work by blocking inflammatory pathways that lead the immune system to attack hair follicles.
In clinical trials, the JAK inhibitors ruxolitinib and tofacitinib have shown great success in regrowing hair, with up to 95% of patients regrowing 50% or more of lost hair after 6 months.
Because they modulate but don’t fully suppress the immune system, JAK inhibitors may have a lower side effect profile than some other systemic treatments. Mild side effects like respiratory infections are possible. More research is underway to confirm safety and efficacy.
Steroid Injections
Injecting corticosteroids directly into bald patches on the scalp has been one of the first-line treatments for localized alopecia areata. Triamcinolone acetonide is one commonly used steroid. About half of patients show significant regrowth after injections.
Drawbacks include temporary pain/discomfort from injections as well as risks if steroids enter the bloodstream. Because results are often temporary, injections may need to be repeated over time.
Immunosuppressants
Oral immunosuppressants like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil are sometimes prescribed “off-label” to treat extensive alopecia areata. By suppressing the immune system, they may allow hair to regrow.
Between 25-50% of patients using these oral drugs regrow some hair, but relapses are common when treatment stops. Because they affect the whole immune system, risk of side effects like infections and nausea is high. More research is needed to confirm their use for alopecia.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP utilizes growth factors from a patient’s own blood to stimulate hair follicles. Blood is drawn and spun to isolate plasma with a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. This is then injected into bald areas.
Small trials have found PRP injections may improve hair regrowth rates and thickness in some alopecia patients. It also has a strong safety profile with minimal side effects. More robust research on PRP for alopecia is still needed, but initial results are positive.
Laser Devices
Low level light therapy (LLLT) devices use laser or LED light to deliver energy to scalp follicles, encouraging them to enter the growth phase. These red light combs and caps are more commonly used to treat pattern hair loss, but research is ongoing for alopecia areata.
In one small trial, over half of patients with alopecia areata had moderate regrowth after 26 weeks of at-home LLLT device use. The ease of these light treatments makes them an appealing option, although not all patients respond.
Anti-Inflammatories
Because alopecia areata is caused by inflammation around hair follicles, researchers are studying whether anti-inflammatory drugs can improve regrowth. An older acne medication called minocycline showed promise in early trials.
The more modern anti-inflammatory biologic drugs seem theoretically promising, but robust research showing their efficacy for alopecia is lacking so far. Further down the line, developing anti-inflammatories specifically targeting immune pathways implicated in alopecia may be an avenue to explore.
Holistic & Alternative Approaches
On the holistic side, some alopecia patients find value in reducing stress, eating anti-inflammatory diets, exercising regularly, and supporting hair growth through vitamins/nutrients. Acupuncture, garlic gel, aromatherapy and herbal treatments like ginseng, saw palmetto and tocotrienols may also provide some benefit, but more research is needed.
While alternative approaches likely won’t replace medical treatment, they may support hair regrowth particularly when used alongside other therapies. Patients should discuss any supplements with their doctor before using.
The Future Looks Bright
While alopecia areata can be challenging to treat and has no definitive cure yet, the ongoing research is incredibly promising. JAK inhibitors are poised to become a huge breakthrough treatment option as trials continue to demonstrate impressive regrowth rates combined with a lower side effect profile.
Steroid injections, PRP, immunosuppressants, and devices like LLLT may also support regrowth alone or alongside newer treatments. Within the next 5-10 years, having multiple research-backed treatment options could make a huge positive impact for those with alopecia areata.
The key is working closely with a knowledgeable dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders to determine the right treatment plan based on the severity of hair loss and the patient’s medical history. While alopecia can be an emotionally difficult condition, there are more reasons than ever for patients to have hope and optimism about the future.
