Pressure-Potentiated Alopecia Areata

The document reported two cases of alopecia areata triggered by pressure from extraoral orthodontic appliances. In both patients, hair loss occurred at pressure sites within 2-3 weeks of appliance use or increased pressure. One patient also developed alopecia in unrelated areas. Hair regrowth occurred in about 5 months after relieving the pressure, with one patient receiving corticosteroid injections and the other receiving no medical therapy. The study concluded that local pressure from orthodontic appliances could induce alopecia areata.