11/26/2025
Here is a before and after of a patient with localized scalp morphea who experienced significant hair regrowth after treatment with oral and topical JAK inhibitors. Morphea is a rare immune-driven condition that causes firm, discolored patches of skin that can become thickened over time. When it affects the scalp, the inflammation and fibrosis can damage hair follicles, making hair growth difficult or impossible in the affected area.
This patient had a longstanding patch on the scalp that led to noticeable hair loss and a lot of self-consciousness. After starting a combination of oral JAK inhibitors, including oral upadacitinib (Rinvoq) and ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura), to target the underlying inflammation and soften the sclerotic tissue, we began to see new hair growth within the first few months. Here, at the eight-month mark, the improvement was even more visible, with continued regrowth and no progression of the morphea plaque.
Although more studies are needed, early results like this are promising for patients with inflammatory and scarring conditions that impact quality of life.