Short Communication, Clin Dermatol Res J Vol: 8 Issue: 1
Oral Azathioprine Treatment in Persistent Adult Alopecia Areata Universalis
Mariya Miteva*
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami
*Corresponding Author: Mariya Miteva MD
Department of Dermatology and
Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami
E-mail: mmiteva@med.miami.edu
Received date: 24 February, 2023, Manuscript No. CDRJ-23-93426;
Editor assigned date: 27 February, 2023, Pre QC No. CDRJ-23-93426(PQ);
Reviewed date: 14 March, 2023, QC No. CDRJ-23-93426;
Revised date: 22 March, 2023, Manuscript No. CDRJ-23-93426(R);
Published date: 30 March, 2023, DOI: 10. 4172/2576-1439.1000191
Citation: Miteva MMD (2023) Oral Azathioprine Treatment in Persistent Adult Alopecia Areata Universalis. Clin Dermatol Res J 8:1.
Description
Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive medication that is used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation and to treat autoimmune diseases. It can be taken orally, and the dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated. When taken orally, azathioprine is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels throughout the body, where it helps to suppress the activity of the immune system. This can be helpful in preventing the rejection of transplanted organs or in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus [1].
However, because azathioprine suppresses the immune system, it can also increase the risk of infections and other complications. Therefore, it is important for people taking azathioprine to be monitored regularly by their healthcare provider, including blood tests to check for signs of infection or other side effects. Some common side effects of oral azathioprine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite [2]. Other possible side effects can include liver damage, bone marrow suppression, and an increased risk of certain cancers [3]. Therefore, people taking azathioprine should discuss any concerns or potential side effects with their healthcare provider.
Alopecia areata universalis is a medical condition in which a person experiences complete hair loss on the scalp and the entire body, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other hair on the body [4]. It is a rare form of alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches.
In alopecia areata universalis, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out. The exact cause of this condition is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors [5]. There is currently no cure for alopecia areata universalis, but there are treatment options available to help manage the symptoms. These include topical and oral medications, such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, as well as therapies like phototherapy and immunotherapy [6]. It is important to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for individual cases. The treatment of adult alopecia areata universalis can be challenging as there is currently no cure for the condition. However, there are various treatment options available to help manage the symptoms and promote hair regrowth [7].
Common treatment options
Corticosteroids: Topical or injectable corticosteroids are often the first-line treatment for alopecia areata universalis. These medications help suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can help to promote hair regrowth [8].
Immunomodulators: Topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can also be used to treat alopecia areata universalis. These medications help to modulate the immune system and may be effective in promoting hair regrowth [9].
Topical minoxidil: Topical minoxidil is a medication that is commonly used to treat male and female pattern baldness. It has also been found to be effective in treating alopecia areata universalis by promoting hair regrowth [10].
Phototherapy: Phototherapy involves the use of light therapy to stimulate hair regrowth. This treatment can be effective in some cases of alopecia areata universalis.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves the use of medications such as Diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) or Squaric Acid Dibutylester (SADBE) to stimulate an immune response on the scalp, which can promote hair regrowth.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person, and it is essential to work closely with a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for each individual case.
References
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- Hoyles RK, Ellis RW, Wellsbury J, Lees B, Newlands P et.al (2006) A multicenter, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide followed by oral azathioprine for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in scleroderma. Arthritis Rheum 54: 3962-70.
- Beissert S, Werfel T, Frieling U, Böhm M, Sticherling M et.al (2007) A comparison of oral methylprednisolone plus azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of bullous pemphigoid. Arch Dermatol. 143: 1536-42.
- Saatci AO, Ayhan Z, Takeş Ö, Yaman A, Bajin FM (2015) Single bilateral dexamethasone implant in addition to panretinal photocoagulation and oral azathioprine treatment in IRVAN syndrome. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 6: 56-62
- Murphy GM, Maurice PD, Norris PG, Morris RW, Hawk JL (1989) Azathioprine treatment in chronic actinic dermatitis: a double‐blind controlled trial with monitoring of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol 121: 639-46.
- Sharma MD, MNAMS VK, Chakrabarti MD A, Mahajan MD V (1998) Azathioprine in the treatment of Partheniumdermatitis. Int. J. Dermatol 37: 299-302
- Chaidemenos G, Apalla Z, Koussidou T, Papagarifallou I, Ioannides D (2011) High dose oral prednisone vs. prednisone plus azathioprine for the treatment of oral pemphigus: a retrospective, bi‐centre, comparative study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 25: 206-10
- Kuanprasert N, Herbert O, Barnetson RS (2002) Clinical improvement and significant reduction of total serum IgE in patients suffering from severe atopic dermatitis treated with oral azathioprine. Australas J Dermatol 43: 125-7
- Poormoghim H, Rezaei N, Sheidaie Z, Almasi AR, Moradi-Lakeh M et.al (2014) Systemic sclerosis: Comparison of efficacy of oral cyclophosphamide and azathioprine on skin score and pulmonary involvement—A retrospective study. Rheumatol Int 34: 1691-9.
- Leigh IM, Hawk JL (1984) Treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis with azathioprine. Br J Dermatol 110: 691-5.