Clinicoepidemiological Profile, Precipitating Factors, and Severity Indicators in Alopecia Areata in Manipur

The study, conducted from October 2011 to September 2013, examined the clinicoepidemiological profile, precipitating factors, and severity indicators of alopecia areata (AA) in a cross-sectional study of patients aged 1 to 60 years. The majority of patients were in the 21 to 30 age group. Psychological stress was identified as the most common precipitating factor, affecting 33 (22.75%) of patients. In terms of severity, 84 (57.9%) patients had moderate AA, 49 (33.8%) had mild cases, 9 (6.2%) presented with ophiasis, and severe AA was found in 3 (2.1%) patients. The study concluded that psychological stress significantly influences the onset and severity of AA. Additionally, atopic individuals were more likely to develop AA, particularly the ophiasis type. Other common associations included autoimmune diseases like diabetes mellitus and vitiligo.