These were the most-read articles on alopecia areata in 2025.
In 2025, readers on AJMC.com were drawn to stories ranging from the global increase in alopecia areata (AA) and its associated comorbidities to early- and late-stage data on novel treatments such as baricitinib and upadacitinib. Articles exploring scarring in alopecia, comparative drug efficacy, and pediatric therapy options further underscored a shift toward evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Here are the top 5 most-viewed alopecia content in 2025.
5. Upadacitinib Shows Strong Efficacy in Phase 3 Alopecia Areata Trial
This article spotlights upadacitinib’s impressive performance in a global phase 3 trial for severe AA. At 24 weeks, 44.6% of patients on 15 mg and 54.3% on 30 mg achieved a Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score of 20 or less, compared with just 3.4% on placebo. Many also achieved 90% or greater scalp coverage, and some reached complete regrowth. Eyebrow and eyelash improvements further highlighted its broad efficacy. The safety profile mirrored the drug’s approved uses in other immune-mediated diseases. These results signal a new benchmark for AA treatment, accelerating momentum toward more effective and accessible therapies.
4. Baricitinib Shows Promise for Pediatric Alopecia in BRAVE-AA-PEDS Study
One of the most hopeful stories of the year came from the BRAVE-AA-PEDS study, which reported meaningful regrowth among adolescents with severe AA. In the trial, 42% of participants receiving baricitinib 4 mg achieved SALT20 or less by week 36, compared with just 2% on placebo. Improvements extended beyond the scalp, with eyebrow and eyelash growth also noted. Safety outcomes aligned with adult data, offering reassurance to clinicians and families. These findings are significant, as they address a population that has long lacked effective systemic options, signaling that younger patients may soon benefit from the same therapeutic gains seen in adults.
3. Analysis Highlights Comparative Efficacy of Alopecia Areata Drugs
As multiple AA therapies advance, this comparative analysis evaluated 14 clinical trials through a Bayesian network meta-analysis. The findings showed that deuruxolitinib at 12 mg twice daily ranked highest for achieving both SALT20 or less and SALT10 or less at 24 weeks, outperforming other Janus kinase inhibitors in the analysis. Baricitinib 4 mg also demonstrated a clear dose advantage over its lower-strength counterpart. This study offers practical guidance for clinicians navigating an expanding treatment landscape and emphasizes the need for real-world data and future head-to-head comparisons.
2. Global Increase in Alopecia Areata Incidence Underscoring Need for Comorbidity Research
This epidemiologic analysis drew significant attention by documenting a steady global rise in AA cases from 1990 to 2021. Although age-adjusted incidence declined slightly, the absolute number of patients increased to nearly 31 million worldwide. The report also highlighted regional variation, with North America and parts of Asia showing some of the highest incidence rates. Importantly, the findings reinforced that AA extends beyond cosmetic impact; it is associated with increased anxiety, depression, and work-related challenges. The article reflects the growing recognition that AA has systemic and psychosocial dimensions that warrant expanded research into comorbidities and risk factors.
1. Bridging Education Gaps in Treatment for Scarring Alopecia With Innovative Approaches
This interview emphasized how older assumptions linking hair loss exclusively to hairstyling practices have hindered diagnosis and care for many patients, especially Black women. Newer research points to inflammatory and potentially systemic roots, aligning Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia more closely with other fibrotic conditions and prompting a push for diagnostic training and better therapeutic development. The message is that education, cultural competence, and early recognition are essential to improving outcomes and reducing stigma.