New treatment for sudden hair loss
New treatment for sudden hair loss
Treatment breakthrough for alopecia areata: JAK inhibitors offer hope for hair loss
By Cara Murez, HealthDay Reporter
Losing hair can be a distressing experience for many people, especially when it affects their appearance and self-confidence. Alopecia areata, a hair loss condition that can range from mild to severe, has posed a challenge for dermatologists. However, a breakthrough treatment called JAK inhibitors is offering hope for individuals suffering from this condition.
A study conducted by Dr. Brett King and Dr. Brittany Craiglow of Yale University and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has revealed the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors in treating moderate to severe alopecia areata. The medication works by reducing inflammation associated with the condition and restoring balance to the immune system.
Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Johnson from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences explains, “Because alopecia areata is an inflammatory condition, a JAK inhibitor will essentially reduce the inflammation that is fueling the disease and bring your immune system back into balance.” She adds, “The development of JAK inhibitors has given us another treatment to improve the lives of patients with alopecia areata.”
Alopecia areata primarily affects children, but it can occur at any age. It is characterized by sudden hair loss, typically in patches that can expand over time. In some cases, the entire head or body may be affected. Genetics play a role in the likelihood of developing alopecia areata, making individuals with a close blood relative who has the condition more susceptible. Additionally, those who have received nivolumab (Opdivo), a drug used in cancer treatment, are also at a higher risk. Certain medical conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, thyroid disease, vitiligo, and Down syndrome can also increase the risk.
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Courtney Martens, a mother of two from Edmond, Okla., participated in a clinical trial for JAK inhibitors conducted by Dr. Johnson. Martens experienced hair loss due to alopecia areata when she was 38 years old. Starting with a small bald patch on her scalp, the hair loss progressed to include her eyebrows and eyelashes, creating a significant impact on her identity. Martens expressed, “It’s pretty traumatizing… It was like I lost my identity because I was always the girl with pretty hair growing up.”
Fortunately, after undergoing JAK inhibitor treatment, Martens was able to completely regrow her hair. Describing her gratitude for the success of the treatment, she said, “I feel blessed that it worked for me.”
The recent study acknowledges the significant advances JAK inhibitors have brought to the treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata. Currently, two JAK inhibitors, baricitinib and ritlecitinib, have been approved, with a third one, deuruxolitinib, in the process of approval. Ongoing clinical trials continue to explore the potential of JAK inhibitors.
The diagnosis of alopecia areata involves examining the affected area of hair loss, as well as the person’s nails. In some cases, blood tests may be necessary to rule out other immune system-related diseases. Alongside JAK inhibitors, other treatment options include contact immunotherapy, which modifies the immune system’s response to hair follicles, and medications like methotrexate and corticosteroids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment options, stating, “We now have more treatment options than ever before for alopecia areata patients, and they are providing results for people for whom previous treatments were not effective. It’s important to know that no one treatment works for everyone. Your board-certified dermatologist can recommend the treatment options that work best for you.”
In conclusion, the discovery of JAK inhibitors offers renewed hope for individuals affected by alopecia areata. With their ability to reduce inflammation and restore the balance of the immune system, JAK inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata. While it is a condition that can deeply impact one’s sense of self, advancements in medical research and treatment methods are providing individuals with more options to regain their hair and boost their self-esteem.
