Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 is not associated with worsening of alopecia areata: A retrospective analysis of 32 patients
Lidia Rudnicka, Adriana Rakowska, Anna Waśkiel‐Burnat, Marta Kurzeja, Małgorzata Olszewska
Abstract
To the Editor: COVID-19 is a viral, SARS-CoV-2–induced disease associated with systemic immune activation.1 Patients with COVID-19 have been reported to have substantially higher plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-17A.2 This has raised concerns about the possible effect of COVID-19 on the course of alopecia areata. The aim of our study was to determine whether COVID-19 infection is associated with worsening disease in patients with pre-existing alopecia areata.
Topics & Concepts
Alopecia areataMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Dermatology2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Retrospective cohort studyMEDLINESurgeryVirologyInternal medicinePolitical scienceLawDiseaseOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Hair Growth and DisordersDermatological and COVID-19 studiesWound Healing and Treatments