Work

Case Report: Alopecia areata in an adolescent after COVID-19 infection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: COVID-19 infection may trigger the onset or progression of various autoimmune disorders, although the exact pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We report the case of a girl presenting with patchy hair loss 1 week after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, who was subsequently diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA). Serum autoantibody testing returned negative results. Treatment involved external application of topical glucocorticoids and minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth. After 6 months of therapy, a significant improvement in hair density was observed across the scalp, with only a single recalcitrant patch of AA remaining. Given the increasing prevalence of COVID-19, the potential for viral-induced AA warrants clinical attention.

Source: Frontiers in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.3389/fped.2026.1723836

Authors: Han Xu, Yunhui Pan, Yinfang Tu, Haoyong Yu

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders

Subfield: Urology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801