Objective outcome measures: Collecting meaningful data on alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND

Although alopecia areata is a common disorder, it has no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment and evidence-based therapeutic data are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To develop guidelines for the diagnosis, evaluation, assessment, response criteria, and end points for alopecia areata.

METHODS

Literature review and expert opinion of a group of dermatologists specializing in hair disorders.

RESULTS

Standardized methods of assessing and tracking hair loss and growth, including new scoring techniques, response criteria, and end points in alopecia areata are presented.

LIMITATIONS

The additional time to perform the assessments is the primary limitation to use of the methodology in clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Use of these measures will facilitate collection of standardized outcome data on therapeutic agents used in alopecia areata both in clinical practice and in clinical trials.