Clinical Trends of Scalp Alopecia Areata: A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Observational Study

This observational study conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College in Pune involved 100 cases of clinically diagnosed scalp alopecia areata. The study found that males (64%) were more affected than females (36%), with the most common age group being 21-30 years (44%). The onset of the disease was sudden in 80% of patients, and 59% experienced a progressive course. Most cases (75%) had a disease duration of less than 3 months, and 80% were asymptomatic with no precipitating factors identified in 90% of cases. A past history of alopecia areata was present in 13% of patients, while 9% had a family history. Associated diseases were noted in 27% of patients personally and in 22% of their families. The majority of patients had single (61%), patchy (83%) lesions, with the occiput being the most common initial site (45%). Nail changes were observed in 22% of cases, with pitting being the most common finding (13%).