Bald spots on a young girl - Photo Rounds - diagnosis of alopecia areata

Journal of Family Practice, Jan, 2004 by Richard P. Usatine

REFERENCES

(1.) MacDonald Hull SP, Wood ML, Hutchinson PE, Sladden M, Messenger AG. Guidelines for the management of alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149:692-699.

(2.) Cotellessa C, Peris K, Caracciolo E, Mordenti C, Chimenti S. The use of topical diphenylcyclopropenone for the treatment of extensive alopecia areata. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001; 44:73-76.

(3.) Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy: successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Derm 1998; 134:1349-1352.

(4.) Ebell M. Aromatherapy effective for alopecia areata. Review of Hay et al 1998. InfoPOEMs, Inc. March 1999.

* SUBMITTING IMAGES TO PHOTO ROUNDS

Do you have images (slides, prints, digitized photos) of compelling clinical cases of interest to family physicians? We would like to publish them, along with a brief description of the clinical presentation and a diagnostic question for readers. The case should include information on the differential diagnosis and treatment, the latter applying an evidence-based approach supported by current references. Submit electronic files to usatine@uthscsa.edu, or send high-quality slides and prints to:

Richard P. Usatine, MD, Editor Photo Rounds, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Family and Community Medicine, MC 7794, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900.

Internet resources

National Alopecia Areata Foundation Web site: www.alopeciaareata.com. Patients can order a 7-minute video, This Weird Thing That Makes My Hair Fall Out: Alopecia Areata, which is available for any children who want a way to share their feelings about alopecia areata with friends, family, peers, schoolmates, principals, and teachers.

European Hair Research Society Web site: www.ehrs.org. Web site has links to several alopecia areata sites.

Richard P. Usatine, MD

Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio