Alopecia universalis associated with ulcerative colitis and the role of azathioprine

Skin manifestations can herald, co-exist, or follow the evolution of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We report a middle-aged man with recent onset alopecia universalis and a history of intermittent diarrheal attacks for 6 years. Colonscopy and biopsy sampling confirmed ulcerative colitis. Regrowth of hair was achieved by treating the patient with azathioprine and mesalamine. Clinicians have to be aware that a multitude of skin manifestations with history of diarrhea can be an extraintestinal manifestation of IBD such as ulcerative colitis and this warrants further investigation