Amelanocytic Anhidrotic Alopecia Areata-Like Phenotype After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant
August 2012
in “
Archives of Dermatology
”
alopecia areata anhidrosis hematopoietic stem cell transplant melanocytes lymphocytic infiltrate hair follicles adnexal structures immune system pigmentary loss hair loss sweat gland dysfunction stem cell transplant skin pigment cells immune cells hair roots skin structures immune response skin color loss
TLDR The immune system can cause permanent skin and hair whitening by attacking pigment cells.
A 38-year-old man with idiopathic autoimmune aplastic anemia experienced permanent diffuse skin and hair whitening and generalized anhidrosis following a successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Histopathologic examination revealed a complete absence of epidermal and follicular melanocytes and a dense lymphocytic infiltrate around hair follicles and adnexal structures. The study concluded that the hair- and skin-lightening phenomena in diffuse alopecia areata might result from an overstimulated immune system targeting melanocytes, leading to irreversible pigmentary loss. Identifying a specific cause for anhidrosis in patients with multiple risk factors can be challenging.
