Alopecia areata induced by interferon alpha?

Abstract

The pathogenesis of alopecia areata is still unknown, an autoimmune mechanism being presumed. Interferon α has important immunomodulatory properties, and numerous autoimmune phenomena are known to be induced by this drug. We report a 36-year-old female with onset of severe alopecia areata after 7 months of interferon α therapy because of chronic active hepatitis C. Without any specific treatment, her alopecia showed an almost complete recovery within 7 months after discontinuation of interferon α, which suggests that alopecia areata has to be added to the list of cutaneous side effects of interferon α.