Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting Only as Nonscarring Alopecia
January 2022
in “
Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology
”
Studysummary This case study reports that patchy nonscarring alopecia without systemic involvement can be an atypical initial indication of juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 13-year-old girl presented with nonscarring alopecia, which was initially misdiagnosed as alopecia areata. Trichoscopic and histopathological examinations revealed features consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including basal vacuolar damage and decreased hair shaft pigmentation. Blood tests confirmed the diagnosis with positive ANA and low complement levels. The patient was treated with systemic steroids and mycophenolate mofetil, resulting in decreased hair fall and regrowth after 3 months. This case highlights the importance of considering SLE in patients with nonscarring alopecia, even in the absence of other systemic symptoms.
