Hair Loss Caused By Alopecia Is Treated With First FDA-Approved Drug

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that results in hair loss. Hair loss can develop anywhere on the body however it is more common on the scalp. Often it results in a few bald spots which are termed alopecia areata.

What causes Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia occurs when the white blood cells target the cells beneath the scalp. This causes the hair follicles to slowly shrink and/or close which will cause you to lose your hair. It prevents your hair from regrowing, or you lose the hair as soon as it grows back. Unfortunately to this day, scientists are unaware of what causes the body to react in this manner. Therefore, they cannot say what causes or influences alopecia areata.

Although there is no known cause, it can be passed genetically within your family line. According to medicalnewstoday.com, one in five people will have alopecia. As well as they may know a family member who suffers from alopecia areata.

What Are the Treatments for Alopecia Areata?

Until early 2022, there was no approved treatment for alopecia areata. Patients were using unapproved medications for ‘alopecia’ that would slow down the hair growth process. However, it does not stop the symptoms altogether.

However recently in June of 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the systemic drug Olumiant (Baricitinib) for persons with severe alopecia areata. Olumiant is in fact the first FDA-approved drug for adult patients with this autoimmune condition. Systemic drugs like these treat the entire body rather than a specific area of the body.

Olumiant is an inhibitor that will prevent your immune system from attacking the hair follicles….