The Association of Lacrimal Gland Inflammation with Alopecia Areata

October 2014 in “ Orbit ”

Elaine Chee, Kee Siew Fong, Issam Al Jajeh, Nariman Nassiri, Jack Rootman

alopecia areata alopecia totalis lacrimal gland inflammation autoimmune processes oral corticosteroids methotrexate steroid pills

TLDR Lacrimal gland inflammation and alopecia areata can happen together due to autoimmune issues.

The study reviewed medical records of 4 patients with lacrimal gland inflammation and episodes of alopecia areata, finding that both conditions are autoimmune processes that can occur together. Three patients were Asian and one was Caucasian; two developed alopecia after lacrimal inflammation, while the other two had a history of alopecia totalis. Additionally, three patients had other systemic disorders. All patients were treated with oral corticosteroids, and one also received methotrexate for relapsing inflammation.

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