Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Overview,External and Internal Eye,Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis

Patients with more severe AA are more likely to have nail changes. Nail changes may precede, follow, or coincide with the onset of hair loss.
In children, pitting, trachyonychia, and onychomadesis are the most common nail changes. Spotted lunulae are only seen in conjunction with pitting in children.
Codes
ICD10CM:L63.9 – Alopecia areata, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
68225006 – Alopecia areata
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Psoriasis – Nail pits in AA tend to be more regular and shallower compared with those of psoriasis.
- Lichen planus
- Onychomycosis
- Trauma
- Atopic or contact dermatitis of the nail folds
- Parakeratosis pustulosa
- Artificial nail damage
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:04/10/2017
Last Updated:05/31/2017
Last Updated:05/31/2017
Alopecia areata - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Overview,External and Internal Eye,Hair and Scalp