Subsurface detection of hair follicles in alopecia areata using optical coherence tomography

Dear Editors, Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune skin disorder that affects any hair-bearing areas and results in localized nonscarring hair loss. It can occur in individuals at any age regardless of ethnicity with a lifetime risk of 1–2%. 1 The loss of hair is caused by perifollicular inflammation, which is associated with cytokines and chemokines released by T cells. 2 , 3 Although spontaneous regrowth is possible in 80% of patchy AA, full resolution is slow. 4 Patients with AA can be treated with various treatment options including a topical or intralesional steroid. While intralesional steroid injection is more ...