Via practica 6/2011
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimune chronic inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicle and sometimes the nails. The exact aetiology is unknown. The hair loss is non-scaring and recurrent. AA is commonly presenting on the scalp but it can affect any hair bearing part of the body. Its clinical course is variable: some patients have spontaneous remission whereas others progress to total loss of scalp or even body hair. The treatment remains difficult and the disease is often resistant against theraphy.
Keywords: alopecia areata, corticosteroids, PUVA, immunotherapy
