Subcutaneous blood flow in alopecia areata.

Abstract

Summary The subcutaneous blood flow in the scalp was measured in ten patients with alopecia areata in patches of total baldness and simultaneously in symmetrical, normal-haired scalp areas, using the local 133Xe clearance method. Mean subcutaneous blood flow in patches of total baldness was 35.6 ± 10 s.e.m. ml/100 g/min and it was 35.3 ± 8.3 s.e.m. ml/100 g/min in symmetrical, normal-haired scalp areas. In five healthy and normal-haired subjects the subcutaneous blood flow was 38.6 ± 8.0 s.e.m. ml/100 g/min in the lateral occipital region. It was concluded that the subcutaneous blood flow was not significantly reduced in patches of alopecia and that the subcutaneous blood flow, therefore, might be sufficient to maintain regrowth of the hair.