Alopecia Areata in Black African Patients: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects

January 2021 in “ Our Dermatology Online ”

Yao Isidore Kouassi, Koffi Kouamé Pacôme Gbandama

alopecia areata plaque-type alopecia areata total descending alopecia areata universal alopecia areata local treatment systemic treatment

Studysummary This study reported that alopecia areata mostly affects young Black African males, with very few associated pathologies observed in this population.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study focused on alopecia areata in Black African patients, revealing a prevalence of 0.2% with a mean age of 24.6 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.47. It identified 25 cases of plaque-type, 10 cases of total descending, and 7 cases of universal alopecia areata, with stress preceding symptoms in 3 cases. No nail damage or associated pathologies were observed. Treatment varied, with local treatment in 31 cases, combined local and systemic treatment in 8 cases, and systemic treatment only in 3 cases. The study concluded that alopecia areata was more common in young males, with rare associated pathologies.

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