Nail involvement in alopecia aereata: A descriptive cross sectional study

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the pilar follicles and results in hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. In some cases, nails may also be affected before or after hair loss, particularly in severe cases. Different nail change patterns exist even after therapy and hair regrowth. This study aimed to identify the pattern of nail changes in alopecia areata patients. Methods This cross sectional study was conducted at Dermatology Department, BVH, Bahawalpur, from 6th July 2019 to 5th January 2020. A total of 103 patients with alopecia areata, 25-55 years of age and both genders were included. Patients undergoing chemotherapy for any malignancy, pregnant females and known cases of Diabetes Mellitus, Tuberculosis and Chronic renal failure were excluded. After taking informed consent, all patients were evaluated for the severity of alopecia areata (mild/moderate/severe) and different nail changes. Results Mean ages of patients was 34.81 + 7.09 years in which 81 (78.34%) were between 25 to 40 years of age. Out of 103 patients, 55 (53.40%) were males and 48 (46.60%) were females with male to female ratio of 1.1:1 . The nail changes were found to be pitting in 63 (61.17%), longitudinal ridging in 27 (26.21%) and dystrophy in 13 (12.62%). Conclusion This study concluded that nail changes observed in alopecia areata patients were pitting, longitudinal ridging and dystrophy.