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Published Results

Topical Sensitizers in Alopecia Areata

While not technically a research result, many studies are sited in this extensive overview of using topical sensitizers to treat alopecia areata. If you are interested in this form of treatment you would be well advised to read this article in it's entirety.

This was originally posted on the 29th of September, 2004 by Amy J. McMichael & Robert L. Henderson, Jr.

We again give mad props to the wonderful Medline website.

Abstract

Though many therapies exist for alopecia areata, one of the most unique is topical sensitization. By altering the pathogenic inflammatory response with few side effects, sensitizers offer an attractive treatment option for many patients with alopecia areata, including those who have previously failed more traditional treatments and those who have extensive disease.

Introduction

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicle resulting in patchy or total hair loss from any area on the body. Although many forms of alopecia exist, alopecia areata is distinctive for its circular, nonscarring involvement of the scalp (Hordinsky, 2001). While AA is seen throughout all populations with an equal incidence in men and women (Muller & Winkelmann, 1963), it is more common in younger ages. An estimated 60% of those who develop AA do so before the age of 20 years (Price, 1991).

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The Use of Sulfasalazine in Alopecia Areata

This article is from the Medscape Website and it's 'Ask The Expert' section in General Dermatology. The question was about the uses of sulfasalazine in treating alopecia areata, and particularly for use in teenagers. What follows is the expert's response in which she gives the results of a recent study.

Amy J. McMichael, MD
Associate Professor, Director of Hair Disorders Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

~Sulfasalazine is an anti-inflammatory medication first used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It also has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease, seronegative arthropathies, and psoriasis.^[1] Sulfasalazine, a compound of sulfapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid, works as both an immunomodulator and an immunosuppressant medication. It inhibits inflammatory cell chemotaxis and cytokine and antibody production.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, malaise, and headaches. These side effects become especially problematic at doses higher than 3 g per day. Taking the medication with food or using enteric-coated tablets can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Rare side effects include fever, rash, hepatitis, pancreatitis, pneumonitis, and agranulocytosis. Liver function tests and complete blood counts should be monitored closely for the first 3 months, then every 3-6 months thereafter. Because sulfasalazine inhibits folate absorption, folate supplementation is recommended. Finally, patients with allergies to sulfa should not be started on sulfasalazine.

Sulfasalazine is not a first-line therapy, but it has been used to treat alopecia areata.

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Genestic Studies In The Past 5 Years Yielding Results (at least in mice.... :)

Lest we all get frustrated (and we do) that little seems to be happening on the research front, here are a number of studies that seem to be bearing fruit. We are limiting ourselves here to research projects that have published their findings in the last five years. Be forewarned that this is not light, sipping chardonney reading. But if you dare to battle through, or at least give them a good skim, you'll be heartened to know that there are researchers hard at work on our problem. And one never knows when the breakthrough for our cure will come.

The digests here are from the awesome and excellent MedLine Abstracts. So get a cup of strong coffee, and read on....

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Hypnosis May Improve Alopecia

Hypnosis may improve Alopecia Areata

Posted Aug 28, 2006

A small but interesting study with somewhat hopeful results. We'll be keeping a close eye on this one.

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