An Atypical Clinical Presentation of Alopecia in Two Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
October 2019
in “
JAAD Case Reports
”
alopecia systemic lupus erythematosus SLE nonscarring alopecic plaques central scarring hyperpigmentation perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate loss of hair follicles increased dermal mucin hydroxychloroquine topical steroids vellus hair lupus plaques scarring pigmentation hair follicles mucin Plaquenil steroids vellus
Studysummary This review discusses different forms and patterns of alopecia associated with lupus erythematosus and reports no new clinical results; the authors highlight distinct features of these conditions.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document described two male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who exhibited an unusual type of alopecia with large circular nonscarring alopecic plaques featuring central scarring and hyperpigmentation, which is not typical for lupus-related hair loss. Histological examination of biopsies showed changes consistent with lupus, such as perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate, loss of hair follicles, and increased dermal mucin. Following their SLE diagnosis based on serologic tests and clinical symptoms, the patients were treated with hydroxychloroquine and topical steroids. One of the patients experienced regrowth of vellus hair after 6 weeks of treatment. These cases underscore the importance of considering systemic disease in the evaluation of unusual patterns of hair loss, including both scarring and nonscarring alopecia.
