Association among Thyroid Dysfunction, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema in Children with Alopecia Areata

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair loss, which typically starts quickly. Atopy is one of the possible predisposing risk factors for this condition. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid disease, atopic dermatitis and allergic diseases in children with alopecia areata and compare the results with healthy individuals. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with alopecia areata, diagnosed by a dermatologist, and 150 healthy individuals as the control group. Participants filled the questionnaires, and necessary tests were performed. RESULTS: In this study, the mean age of the participants was 2.55 ± 14.26 and 3.19 ± 11.92 in the case and control groups, respectively. Prevalence of asthma was 22% in the case group and 12.5% in control group (P = 0.109). Also, allergic rhinitis and eczema were observed in 20% and 22% of the subjects of the case group, whereas they were reported to be 8% and 10% in the control group (PV = 0.03 and 0.175, respectively). Moreover, 28% and 8% of the participants in the case and control groups had a family history of atopy and allergic disorders, respectively (P = 0.046). A significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding gender, type of delivery and contact with animals. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, a significant association was observed between the prevalence of alopecia areata and atopic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and history of atopic dermatitis.