A Systematic Review of Alopecia Areata Treatments

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by hair loss, with numerous treatment options available. However, the best therapeutic approach remains uncertain. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of different treatments for AA, focusing on comparative studies and identifying potential biases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to assess clinical trials investigating treatments for AA. Studies were included based on the use of well-established outcome measures, such as the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score. Results:
Five studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials and comparative studies. Conclusions: This review highlights the efficacy of several treatment options for AA, including tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, and corticosteroids. However, the high rate of relapse and the variability in patient response indicate a need for further trials, particularly comparing different treatment modalities. Future research should address the risk of bias, especially in areas such as selection, participant retention, and confounding factors, to provide clearer guidance for clinicians.