Alopecia areata and subsequent Marie Antoinette syndrome following COVID-19 infection and vaccination: A case report

This case report described a 44-year-old male who experienced alopecia areata and subsequent Marie Antoinette syndrome, characterized by rapid hair depigmentation, following COVID-19 infection and mRNA-1273 vaccinations. The patient initially developed patchy hair loss after vaccination, which progressed to diffuse hair loss and regrowth of white hair. The report suggested that increased circulating androgens and molecular mimicry might explain these phenomena, with potential mechanisms including stress-induced depletion of melanocytes and autoimmune responses affecting follicular keratinocytes. The case highlighted the need for further research into the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and hair disorders.