Clinical And Demographic Characteristics Associated With Nail Involvement In Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study Of 197 Patients

This study of 197 patients with alopecia areata (AA) found that 83.8% had at least one nail abnormality, with pitting, linear lines, and distal notching being the most common. Nail changes were more prevalent in younger patients, especially those under 18, and were associated with severe AA variants like alopecia totalis and universalis, although not statistically significant. The study emphasized that nail involvement is a common and important aspect of AA, often overlooked but significantly impacting quality of life, and may serve as a poor prognostic factor. Further research with larger populations is needed to understand the prognostic implications and treatment response related to nail changes in AA.