Journal
CURRENT OPINION IN PEDIATRICS
Volume 21, Issue 4, Pages 475-480Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0b013e32832db986
Keywords
alopecia areata; hair loss; pediatric
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Purpose of review Alopecia areata is one of the most frequent organ-restricted autoimmune diseases, yet its pathogenesis is still unclear. In addition, although alopecia areata often results in significant psychological distress, effective treatment is lacking. Recent findings New potential susceptibility loci have been implicated, but the strongest evidence points to certain class 11 human leukocyte antigen alleles. There is new evidence for the collapse of hair follicle immune privilege as a key step in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. There is also new basic science evidence for stress as a contributing factor in the development of alopecia areata. Few treatments for alopecia areata have been well evaluated in randomized trials. Summary Although multiple potential susceptibility loci have been implicated, the genetics of alopecia areata is still unclear. The role of any potential environmental contributors is also unclear. Quality evidence for efficacy of currently used treatments for alopecia areata is lacking.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available