Linear alopecia areata

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) over scalp is known to present in various shapes and extents of hair loss. Typically it presents as circumscribed patches of alopecia with underlying skin remaining normal. We describe a rare variant of AA presenting in linear band-like form. Only four cases of linear alopecia have been reported in medical literature till today, all four being diagnosed as lupus erythematosus profundus.

Linear alopecia areata

“…2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 Only 1 case of linear alopecia areata was reported in 2016. 9 The patient, a 35-year-old man, presented with a linear bald patch on the scalp for 3 years. AA was finally diagnosed with histopathologic findings.…”

Blaschko‐linear alopecia areata in a child, an exceedingly rare variant

“…2,3 In English and German literature, we identified a total of two confirmed cases of linear AA. 3,4 The first case was reported by Shetty et al in The right temporo-occipital area taken after 6 months shows hair regrowth and complete healing of the area of previous alopecia as well as the biopsy scar then diagnosed as linear lupus panniculitis, linear alopecia mucinosa, or linear morphea. [2][3][4][5] Blaschko-linear AA is certainly an exceedingly rare condition with a unique morphology.…”

“…3,4 The first case was reported by Shetty et al in The right temporo-occipital area taken after 6 months shows hair regrowth and complete healing of the area of previous alopecia as well as the biopsy scar then diagnosed as linear lupus panniculitis, linear alopecia mucinosa, or linear morphea. [2][3][4][5] Blaschko-linear AA is certainly an exceedingly rare condition with a unique morphology. To diagnose it, knowledge of the existence of this variant and its key features compared with other differential diagnoses are necessary.…”

“…2 Predominantly males are affected with a male to female ratio of 2.5:1. 3 The median age of presentation is between 60 and 70 years of age.…”

“…4 They can present in various morphologies from bruise-like lesions and patches to plaques and nodules. 3 Skin lesions can be associated with erythema, hyperpigmentation, purpura, or ulceration. It can also affect the bone marrow and peripheral blood as well as other organs such as the central nervous system, lungs, breast, and gallbladder.…”