Alopecia areata and coeliac disease: no effect of a gluten-free diet on hair growth

Abstract

Background: An association between alopecia areata (AA) and coeliac disease has recently been reported.

Aim: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the possible effect of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on the new growth of hair in 5 alopecic patients with CD.

Methods: CD was diagnosed in 5 patients with AA (universalis in 3 cases and patchy in 2 cases). The diagnosis of CD was based on serological and histological standard criteria.

Results: In all patients the GFD resolved CD clinically, serologically and histologically but had no effect on the course of alopecia.

Conclusion: AA and CD, when associated, present different responses to a GFD and have an independent course.