Research Progress of Drugs in Treating Pediatric Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder affecting hair follicles, primarily manifested as circular or oval patches of hair loss. In severe cases, it can progress to alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis. Alopecia areata impacts appearance, thereby affecting the mental health of affected children, making timely disease control crucial. Topical corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment for alopecia areata in children. For those who do not respond to topical corticosteroids or whose condition progresses rapidly, other therapeutic options should be considered. In recent years, Janus kinase inhibitors and biologics have brought new hope for treatment. This article primarily reviews the pharmacological treatments for alopecia areata in children, both domestically and internationally, in recent years.