Sarcoidosis-induced alopecia

Abstract

Cutaneous sarcoidosis of the scalp may induce scarring alopecia, which clinically resembles other forms of primary cicatricial alopecia. Differentiation via histologic evaluation is necessary because sarcoidosis demonstrates classical non-caseating granulomas. Review of the literature reveals that sarcoidosis-induced alopecia occurs more commonly in black females age 23 to 78, with the majority of patients having coexisting facial sarcoidosis with pulmonary and lymph node involvement. Given the strong association between sarcoidal alopecia and systemic sarcoidosis, evaluation of the patient is indicated if alopecia is the initial presenting manifestation.