The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Olumiant (Baricitinib) oral tablets for use in adults with severe alopecia-areata. Alopecia-areata is an autoimmune disorder that often results in hair loss it affects more than 300,000 people each year in the United States.
According to a Sub Saharan-African Journal of Medicine published research on the prevalence and pattern of alopecia in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ibadan, the research found that hair loss was found in 210 of the 450 participants (46.7%), of those 208 (99.04%) had traction alopecia while alopecia areata was found in two (0.96%) study participants.
Most of the respondents, 296 (66%), had natural hair. The fringe sign was seen in 73 (3.48%) of the 210 participants who had alopecia. Now, for the first time ever, a systemic treatment has been approved to treat this disorder.
Hair loss, and in extreme cases alopecia areata remains a prevalent ailment in Africa. One particular hair and beauty trend that contributes to this is the use of hair extension and weaves used largely in African hairstyles.
Traction alopecia is caused by chronic traction (pulling) on the hair follicles and is seen most commonly in African females. This is associated with tight braiding or cornrow hairstyles. It is generally present along the hairline. In some cases, men who also attach hairpieces to their existing hair can experience this type of permanent hair loss if the hairpiece is attached in the same location over a long period of time.
Because braiding and weaves can be expensive, many women keep these styles for an extended period of time adding to the risk of infection. While the benefits of the hairstyles are often stunning and quite beautiful, most hair professionals advise against them, especially over long periods of time. Braiding for a special event may be okay, but one should release them after a few days to let your hair rest.
You should get your weave or extensions done by a professional and pay attention when the hair is being done. If you feel pain or have a headache, the hairstyle is too tight. Tight hairstyles can cause traction alopecia, which is a form of hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair, and it can be permanent.
“Access to safe and effective treatment options is crucial for the significant number affected by severe alopecia,” said Kendall Marcus, M.D., director of the Division of Dermatology and Dentistry in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval will help fulfil a significant unmet need for patients with severe alopecia areata.”
Alopecia areata causes a loss of hair, often in clumps. Olumiant is an FDA-approved drug which blocks the activity of one or more enzymes that leads to inflammation in the body.
Olumiant was studied to determine its efficacy and safety in patients with alopecia areata. The trials studied the drug’s effect on balding scalp hair in patients who had hair loss for more than six months. Patients received either a placebo or Olumiant, depending on the trial, for a duration of 36 weeks. The primary outcome of the trials was showing 80% or more recovery of their scalp hair at week 36.