Does zinc have a role in alopecia areata? A clinic-biochemical study

Abstract

Objectives:(1) The objectives of the study are as follows: To study serum zinc levels in patients with alopecia areata. (2) To study the correlation between serum zinc levels and severity of alopecia areata.Material and Methods:A hospital-based and cross-sectional study was conducted in our out-patient Department of Dermatology and STD. All new cases of alopecia areata were included in this study. The patients with clinical features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders were excluded from the study. After obtaining a detailed history and examination and confirmation by hair pull test and dermoscopy, the severity of alopecia was graded by Severity of Alopecia Tool score and gauging score. Serum zinc levels of the patients were then measured by calorimetric method.Results:A total of 88 cases who met the criteria were chosen. Majority of patients were between 20 and 40 years of age with a male preponderance. Patchy pattern of alopecia was the most common pattern noted with scalp being the most commonly involved site. Serum zinc was deficient in around 52.2% of cases. Most of the patients had mild alopecia areata. No significant association was noted between serum zinc levels and alopecia areata. Furthermore, there was no correlation between the severity of alopecia areata and serum zinc levels.Conclusion:In our study, no association was noted between serum zinc levels and alopecia areata. Furthermore, the severity of alopecia areata did not correlate with serum zinc levels.