Alopecia areata

To the Editor: Strazzulla et al1,2 have written instructive reviews on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and current treatment options for alopecia areata. In these articles, they describe and show photographs of the more common patchy subtype of the scalp and beard, as well as the less common ophiasis, androgenic-like, and diffuse subtypes. They also explain how trichoscopy and scalp biopsy are important tools in diagnosing alopecia areata. The authors mention that nail changes may be present in 10% to 20% of patients with alopecia areata and that severity of nail changes may correlate with more extensive hair loss; in addition, they list some of the more common nail changes, namely, regular pitting, longitudinal ridging, trachyonychia, and red lunulae.