Alopecia Areata: Prognostic Factors

The study on alopecia areata (AA) evaluated 226 patients over a 5-year period to identify prognostic factors and treatment responses. Significant bad prognostic factors included extensive AA, juvenile onset, nail changes, ophiasic type, and long disease duration. Atopy and sex were not significant factors. Treatment responses varied, with 52.8% of treated patients showing satisfactory hair regrowth, but only 22.2% in severe cases. The study highlighted the unpredictable nature of AA, frequent relapses, and the limited effectiveness of treatments, emphasizing the need for clear treatment objectives and supportive care for patients and families.