Seminars in dermatology
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Aproximately 1% of the population will have had alopecia areata by the age of 50 and the peak incidence occurs in children and young adults. All body hair may be affected including lashes and brows. Alopecia areata is a systemic disease with frequent involvement of nails or eyes. ⋯ There is no excellent therapy for alopecia areata although many interventions are tried. Immunotherapy with diphenylcyprone is currently being optimistically evaluated. The harmful psychological effects of alopecia areata in children must be anticipated and prevented.