Alopecia Areata-Like Patchy Non-Scarring Alopecia as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This case study reported a 22-year-old female patient who presented with patchy non-scarring alopecia as an initial symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient had been experiencing hair loss for 2 years and had minor arthralgia but no other common SLE symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed positive ANA and elevated anti-DNA antibodies, leading to a diagnosis of SLE-related alopecia based on established criteria. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine resulted in hair regrowth after 1 year. The study highlighted the importance of distinguishing SLE-related non-scarring alopecia from alopecia areata, as they can appear similar but require different management approaches. Dermoscopy was noted as a useful tool for differentiation, as SLE-related alopecia lacks the characteristic features of alopecia areata.