Alopecia areata is a common and sometimes disabling chronic inflammatory disorder of the
hair and nails. Genetic factors, that are now beginning to be identified, are undoubtedly
important in determining susceptibility and disease severity but it is unlikely that alopecia
areata is caused by a single gene defect. In common with other inflammatory diseases,
environmental factors are probably important in initiating disease expression. Research into
the pathogenesis of alopecia areata has been concentrated in two main areas: the role of …