Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Alopecia Areata
June 2020
in “
Cureus
”
TLDR A woman's hair loss led to discovering she had lupus.
In 2020, a case study was conducted on a 36-year-old woman who showed hair loss symptoms of alopecia areata, a non-scarring hair loss linked to autoimmune conditions. After treatment with triamcinolone acetonide injections, the hair loss areas showed almost complete regrowth. Further tests and history suggested the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease, which was later confirmed. This case study emphasized the potential comorbidities with alopecia areata, such as thyroid disorders and systemic lupus erythematosus, suggesting that a diagnosis of alopecia areata may lead to further investigation of associated conditions.