title: Alopecia areata: pathogenesis and treatment.
abstract: Although its etiology remains unknown, evidence has accumulated to support an autoimmune pathogenesis for alopecia areata. Our review summarizes the immunologic data and also examines the role of genetics, atopy, and psychologic stress in this disorder. Until etiology is better understood, treatments for alopecia areata are likely to remain palliative. Nevertheless, newer therapies such as photochemotherapy, topical immunotherapy, and perhaps systemic immunotherapy (e.g., inosiplex) offer new hope for patients with extensive disease.
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D007542:Inosine Pranobex / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007509:Irritants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008914:Minoxidil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011701:PUVA Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010641:Phenotype
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007509:Irritants; D008914:Minoxidil; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D007542:Inosine Pranobex