NEW clinical trials are offering hope for alopecia areata sufferers.
Run by Rodney Sinclair from the Australasian College of Dermatologists and his team, the trials are testing a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs - Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
"For the first time in Australia, we are seeing systemic therapies for male and female pattern hair loss that consistently lead to hair regrowth," Professor Sinclair said.
Alopecia areata is the most common autoimmune disease, with 2 per cent of the population estimated to be affected within their lifetime. It affects people of all ages.
It's typically characterised by non-scarring hair loss in single or multiple areas of the scalp, face or body.
Many people find the condition also affects their mental health and self-esteem.
Professor Sinclair said he hopes the research will lead to new treatment breakthroughs.