BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition with a worldwide occurrence. It usually presents as patchy, non-scarring hair loss. There is a paucity of clinical data in Indians. OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical profile and to know the association with various systemic and dermatological disorders. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted on 100 cases of alopecia areata after taking informed consent, over a period of 16 months from December 2012 to April 2014. A detailed history of the patient regarding associated systemic and dermatological disorders and various autoimmune disorders were documented, relevant investigations were done. RESULTS: Incidence of alopecia areata in patients attending dermatology out-patient department was 1.7%. There was slight male preponderance (51%). Most common age group involved was 20-40yrs. (47%). Alopecia areata was higher among low socioeconomic group (62%). Recurrences of AA was noted in 14% of cases. Stress acting as triggering factor in 12%. Pregnancy and postpartum accounted for 4% of cases. Atopic dermatitis was noted in 1%, seborrheic dermatitis was noted in 1%, lichen planus was noted in 2%, psoriasis noted in 1% cases. Average age of onset of alopecia areata in atopics was 7.9 years. Occiput was the most common site accounting for 39.3% of cases. Nail pitting was noted in 7% of cases. In 2 cases 20 nail dystrophy was noted. Patchy type was the most common type of alopecia seen in 73% of patients. As per IKEDAS classification -71% cases belonged to common type, 18% to atopic type, 5% to pre hypertensive, 6% to autoimmune type. Bronchial asthma was noted in 3%, Diabetes mellitus in 5%, hypothyroidism noted in 12% of cases.

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Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, non-infectious, immune mediated, neutrophilic dermatosis associated with underlying systemic disease in 50% of cases. Brocq first described pyoderma gangrenosum in 1916.It is common in fourth and fifth decade. But childhood PG, reported was 4% percent. PG has been associated with systemic disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, haematological disorders, autoimmune diseases, solid organ tumors, drugs etc. First line of management for PG is oral corticosteroids, dapsone and other sulphones. Other immunosuppresants are used as second line of treatment. Here we report a case of childhood PG not responding to conventional treatment but responded to methylprednisolone pulse therapy.

BACKGROUND Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis with multiorgan involvement characterised by palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain and renal disease. The aetiology and clinical features are varied but histopathology is characterised by leucocytoclasia with deposition of IgA immune complexes. Aims and Objectives-The present study was done to know the spectrum of various cutaneous manifestations, systemic involvement and aetiology of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.