Decreased sweat-gland number and function in patients with alopecia areata.

Elieff, D; Sundby, S; Kennedy, W; Hordinsky, M · Br J Dermatol · 1991

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

In this study the number and function of sweat glands on the dorsum of the hand and foot were evaluated using a silastic imprint method. Twenty patients, 11 females and nine males with either alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, or alopecia universalis were included in the study. Patients showed a significant decrease in activated sweat-gland number and function compared to matched controls (P less than 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the degree of sweat-gland dysfunction and extent of hair loss, concurrent illnesses, or treatment. These findings suggest that eccrine sweat-gland function is compromised in patients with alopecia areata.

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