Alopecia areata is a common cause of hair loss which leads to localize
d bald areas predominantly on the scalp. Etiological factors are not c
lear yet, but it is generally considered as a consequence of an autoim
mune process. Histological findings revealed perifollicular infiltrati
on of T-cells and antigen-presenting cells. Autoreactive T-cells are r
eported to amplify this abnormality by interacting with follicular epi
thelium. There is no effective treatment available at the moment. We r
eport on a 53-year old climacteric woman who developed a bald lesion o
n her scalp spontaneously in november 1995. Alopecia areata was docume
nted before and after therapy. Treatment with thymopentin 50 mg subcut
aneously was offered successfully for 10 weeks, while continuing hormo
ne replacement therapy. Other therapeutical strategies did not proof t
o be successful before.