title: Imiquimod in the treatment of alopecia universalis.
abstract: Imiquimod is used topically in the treatment of numerous dermatologic conditions. Imiquimod modifies the immune response through cytokine induction of the T-cell helper subset, correlating with the expression of interferon alpha, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukins (ILs) 1 and 12. Reciprocal inhibition of TH2 immune response occurs via up-regulation of interferon gamma and down-regulation of TH2-associated cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13. Alopecia universalis is a severe form of alopecia thought to arise from T-cell mediated autoimmune disease of the hair follicle. There have been no case reports noting a beneficial effect of topical imiquimod in the treatment of alopecia universalis. We present a case of a 15-year-old adolescent girl with alopecia universalis since age 8 who experienced transient hair growth after topical application of imiquimod.
authors: National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors: Philip R
authors: PR
authors: Letada
authors: Joshua D
authors: JD
authors: Sparling
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Norwood
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000505:Alopecia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000077271:Imiquimod