Alopecia areata: Update on management

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune nonscarring alopecia. AA presents heterogeneously and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Diagnosis is clinical after ruling out other local or systemic causes of alopecia. Standard first-line therapy is typically topical steroids, but the response can be frustrating. Novel treatment options have shown great promise in the management of the refractory disease. We review initial data on topical and systemic Janus kinase inhibitors (tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, and baricitinib), topical bimatoprost, simvastatin/ezetimibe, and excimer laser therapy among others within the context of a general approach to AA management.