A Clinico-Investigative Study of Alopecia Areata With Special Reference to Its Association With Various Systemic and Dermatological Disorders.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is believed to be an autoimmune condition with a worldwide occurrence. It usually presents as patchy, non-scarring hair loss. There is a paucity of clinical data in Asians. OBJECTIVES: To describe the demographic profile, clinical profile and histopathology of alopecia areata d out the association with various systemic and dermatological disorders. METHODS: 120 cases were included for the study, over a period of 18 months from January 2007 to June 2008. A descriptive study with purposive sampling was done. Demographic data and a detailed history of the patient to rule out associated systemic and dermatological disorders and various autoimmune disorders were documented. RESULTS: 45 (37.5%) out of 120 cases were in the age group of 21-30 years. Male:Female ratio was 2:1. 103 (85.8%) patients were Hindus from urban background who were skilled workers. Parietal area was the commonest area involved over scalp, in 38 (31.67%) patients. All these data are statistically significant. 7 (5.8%) patients had seborrhoeic dermatitis of scalp, 2 (1.6%) patients had lichen planus and Vitiligo. 1 (0.8%) patient had psoriasis. Family history of alopecia areata was noted in 8 (6.7%) patients. Pitting was noted in 14 (11.7%) patients. 41 (93.2%) patients in urban background had emotional stress.

Untitled

“…14 (93.33%) out of 15 children with facial involvement were found to be males. In a study done by Gopal et al [15] eyebrows were involved in [10] and Gopal et al [15] found exclamatory mark hair in all patients of their study. [11] , Mild alopecia areata (41%) was the most common presentation followed by moderate disease (31%), severe alopecia (17%).…”