Are there racial variations in the expression of alopecia areata?
Epidemiological studies do show that there are certain nidus within given populations that exhibit a different prevalence for the condition. One such study, performed almost four decades ago, reported that Japanese people living in Hawaii had a higher prevalence for the condition that the indigenous population. Still, despite any differences in either incidence or prevalence, alopecia areata has been described in all races. Variations, if any, have been reported in the expression of the condition. Thus, according to a recent article (TA Laude Seminars in Dermatology 14:15-20, 1995) the expression of alopecia areata varies in appearance but not incidence in black children. Dr. Laude believes that alopecia areata tends to be severe in black children with a higher proportion of cases presenting as totalis or universalis. Furthermore, therapy with Anthralin is hampered by the fact that black children have a higher threshold for erythema and irritation.
