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Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Overview,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit

See also in: Overview,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
Contributors: Sarah N. Robinson MD, Shari Lipner MD, PhD, Robert Baran MD, Bertrand Richert MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Onychodystrophy is commonly associated with alopecia areata (AA), with a prevalence ranging from 7%-66%. Either some or all of the nails may be affected. If all nails are affected, it is commonly referred to as twenty-nail dystrophy. The most common nail abnormalities are pitting and trachyonychia, but longitudinal ridging, onycholysis, red spotted lunulae, and onychomadesis may also be seen.

Patients with more severe AA are more likely to have nail changes. Nail changes may precede, follow, or coincide with the onset of hair loss.

In children, pitting, trachyonychia, and onychomadesis are the most common nail changes. Spotted lunulae are only seen in conjunction with pitting in children.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L63.9 – Alopecia areata, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
68225006 – Alopecia areata

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Last Reviewed:02/21/2024
Last Updated:05/31/2017
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Patient Information for Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit
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Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Overview,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp
A medical illustration showing key findings of Alopecia areata (General) : Sparse eyebrows, Eyelash loss, Eyebrows
Clinical image of Alopecia areata - imageId=3997565. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A smooth round patch of nonscarring alopecia on the occipital scalp with early hair regrowth after intralesional steroid injection.'
A smooth round patch of nonscarring alopecia on the occipital scalp with early hair regrowth after intralesional steroid injection.
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