Gouty Alopecia: An Intriguing Manifestation of Disseminated Tophaceous Gout

This document discusses a rare case of gouty alopecia in a 45-year-old man with chronic tophaceous gout, characterized by urate crystal deposition around hair follicles leading to non-scarring hair loss. The patient exhibited patchy hair loss on the occipital scalp alongside joint deformities due to gouty nodules. Diagnosis was confirmed through elevated serum uric acid levels and skin biopsies showing urate crystals. Treatment with lifestyle changes, allopurinol, and NSAIDs resulted in significant improvement in arthritis symptoms and complete hair regrowth. This case underscores the unusual presentation of gouty alopecia and suggests further investigation into its pathophysiology and treatment.