A clinical study of alopecia areata and it’s dermatoscopic correlation in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common, chronic autoimmune disease causing non-scarring hair loss of scalp and body hairs. The course of the disease is unpredictable that results in a severe psychological impact on the people. Aims and objectives: To study clinical patterns of Alopecia areata and it's association with other diseases.To study the dermatoscopy findings of AA. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 50 people of both sexes between ages (1-50yrs) with Alopecia Areata attending the department of DVL at Santhiram medical college and general hospital for 6 months. The patient's data was recorded in a prestructured proforma that includes clinical history, general and cutaneous examination, investigations and dermatoscopy. Results: Out of 50 people(29 males, 21 females). Common age group affected was 10-20yrs.Scalp involvement in 80% cases with (patchy alopecia 80%, ophiasis 15%, diffuse 5%).beard in 10%, eyebrows and eyelashes in 8%, body hair in 4%. Nail changes in AA were Pitting seen in 8% cases and longitudinal ridging in 6% cases. No nail changes in 86% cases. Alopecia areata was associated with atopy in 48%, hypothyroidism in 18%, vitiligo in 4%, AA was not associated with other diseases in 30%. Dermatoscopy findings were yellow dots in 45%, black dots in 32%, exclamatory mark 30%, white dots in 10% broken hairs in 15%, bent hair in 5% vellus hair in 2% Conclusion: Scalp was the most common site affected with the patchy type being a most common pattern. Alopecia areata was commonly associated with atopic dermatitis. The most common Dermatoscopy features were yellow dots(YD), black dots(BD), and exclamatory marks.