Familial Alopecia Areata and Overview of Alopecia Areata at Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Alopecia areata (AA), an asymptomatic, non-scarring, hair loss on the scalp and/ or body is now
regarded as an autoimmune inflammatory disorder. 
Aim: This is a report of 2 female siblings with AA of early onset (two years); and review of dermatology clinic data of
patients to determine the frequency, sex and age distribution of patients with alopecia areata.
Case Summary and Result: Two female siblings presented with alopecia areata with onset at age 2 years. The older
sibling who presented at age 9 with 7 years history of progressive loss of hair (alopecia totalis); while the younger
sibling who was 2 years presented with 6 month history of alopecia areata (ophiasis pattern). The male siblings were
not affected and no family or personal history of atopy, thyroid disorders and autoimmune disorders. 
Alopecia areata accounted for approximately 1.7% of the total clinic attendance at the dermatology outpatient of the
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). There was a female preponderance with a male to female ratio of 1:1.6.
Most of the patients presented in the third and fourth decades of life.
Conclusion: Severity of AA at first consultation is an important prognostic factor. The prognosis is worse in children.