What Does Alopecia Hide? Alopecia Universalis as an Initial Symptom in an HIV-Positive Patient
January 2022
in “
Galicia Clínica
”
New to Alopecia Areata? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This report documents a rare case of alopecia universalis in an HIV-positive patient in Portugal, highlighting the changing comorbidity spectrum in this population due to increased life expectancy from antiretroviral therapy.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Highly active antiretroviral therapy has increased the life expectancy of HIV-positive patients, leading to a shift in the spectrum of associated comorbidities, including dermatologic disorders. Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that disrupts the hair cycle, and alopecia universalis is a rare variant of AA. There are very few reported cases of alopecia universalis in HIV-positive patients, and none have been documented in Portugal.
