Seasonal Alopecia Areata with Atopy

The document described a case of a 5-year-old boy with seasonal alopecia areata associated with atopy, including allergic rhinitis and mild asthma. The boy experienced recurrent hair loss each April, with complete regrowth by September, over several years. Each episode of hair loss coincided with a flare in his allergic rhinitis. The case highlighted the rare and poorly recognized association between seasonal alopecia areata and atopy. The study referenced previous findings, noting that atopic manifestations were present in 18% of children and 9% of adults with alopecia areata. The boy's condition fit the criteria for the "atopic group" of alopecia areata, which has a higher male/female ratio, a higher likelihood of progression to alopecia totalis, and a longer duration compared to the common type of alopecia areata. The document suggested a potential link between cell-mediated immunity abnormalities in both atopy and alopecia areata.