XXXX areata: Part 2: treatment.

@entity1 @entity1665 @entity146 @entity9973 @entity3009 @entity7141 @entity5491 @entity230 @entity1663 @entity2713
OBJECTIVE: To provide family physicians with a background understanding of the therapeutic regimens and treatment outcomes for @entity1663 ( @entity1663 ), as well as to help identify those @entity1 for whom dermatologist referral might be required. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: PubMed was searched for relevant articles regarding the treatment of @entity1663 . MAIN MESSAGE: @entity1665 areata is a form of autoimmune hair loss affecting both @entity1 and adults. While there is no associated mortality with the disease, morbidity from the psychological effects of hair loss can be devastating. Upon identification of @entity1663 and the disease subtype, an appropriate therapeutic regimen can be instituted to help halt hair loss or possibly initiate hair regrowth. First-line treatment involves intralesional @entity2713 with topical @entity230 or @entity5491 or both. Primary care physicians can safely prescribe and institute these treatments. More advanced or refractory cases might require oral immunosuppressants, topical @entity9973 , or topical @entity7141 . Eyelash loss can be treated with @entity3009 analogues. Those with extensive loss might choose camouflaging options or a hair prosthesis. It is important to monitor for @entity146 owing to the profound psychological effects of hair loss. CONCLUSION: Family physicians will encounter many @entity1 experiencing hair loss. Recognition of @entity1663 and an understanding of the underlying disease process will allow an appropriate therapeutic regimen to be instituted. More advanced or refractory cases need to be identified, allowing for an appropriate dermatologist referral when necessary.
