Pharmacotherapy Options for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata (AA), a nonscarring autoimmune-based hair disorder, has a lifetime incidence rate of up to about 2% and may affect psychological, emotional, and social realms. How AA occurs has not yet been fully elucidated, and currently no cure for this condition exists. Pharmacologic treatment options include oral Janus kinase inhibitors, intralesional or topical corticosteroids, topical minoxidil, anthralin, and contact immunotherapy. Pharmacists can play a role in AA management by participating in medication optimization and selection, evaluating regimens for potential drug -drug or drug-disease interactions, monitoring laboratory values, and assisting with dosing parameters; they can also counsel patients on appropriate use of medications.