TNF inhibitor induced alopecia: an unusual form of psoriasiform alopecia that breaks the Renbök mold

Dermatol Online J. 2017 Mar 15;23(3):13030/qt4gk06758.

Abstract

TNF-α-inhibitors are known to induce skin adverseeffects including psoriasis and alopecia areata. Here, wedescribe a unique pattern of hair loss that has psoriaticand alopecia areata-like features. Diagnosis requiresclinical-pathologic correlation and is supportedby increased catagen/telogen hairs, psoriasiformepidermal hyperplasia, perifollicular lymphocyticinfiltrate, and the presence of eosinophils and plasmacells. Although there are no treatment consensusguidelines, management options include stoppingtherapy, switching to a different TNF-α inhibitor orustekinumab (in severe cases), or continuing TNF-αinhibitor therapy with addition of topical, intralesional,or systemic immunosuppressants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / adverse effects*
  • Alopecia / chemically induced*
  • Alopecia / diagnosis
  • Alopecia / drug therapy
  • Alopecia / pathology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Triamcinolone / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Triamcinolone
  • Adalimumab