Clinical and demographic profile of childhood alopecia areata in Iran

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the clinical profile of alopecia areata [AA] in Iranian children. One hundred Iranian children aged less than 16 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were obtained by administering a parental-recall questionnaire; and clinical and demographic parameters and associated diseases were evaluated. The mean age of AA onset was 8.9 +/- 2.1 years. The scalp was the most common site of involvement. Thirty-five percent of the patients had a precipitating factor, with psychological stress being the most common factor. Associated diseases were recorded in 60% of the patients, with the most common associated disease being eczema. Twenty-one percent of the patients were positive for a family history of AA. Severity and extent of the disease and the age of onset showed significant relationships with parents' educational and economic status [p<0.05]. Nail changes were also strongly associated with severity and extent of the disease [P=0.006]. Our results suggest that the severity and extent of the disease both increase with anearly age of onset, low parent educational levels, low socioeconomic status, and nail changes