A Rare Case of Ophiasis Pattern of Alopecia Areata in a Child: A Case Report with Unani Insights

November 2025 in “ International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ”

Uzma I. Farooqui, Shazia Afzal, Mohammad Al Jamal, Muhammad Muzammil, Juwairiya Ilyas

alopecia areata ophiasis pattern Unani system of medicine

A 3-year-old Indian boy was diagnosed with the rare ophiasis pattern of alopecia areata, characterized by a snake-like hair loss pattern on the scalp. This form of alopecia areata is particularly challenging to treat due to its chronic and relapsing nature and poor response to conventional therapies. The case report explores the potential management of this condition using the Unani system of medicine, offering a unique perspective on treatment options for this difficult-to-treat subtype of alopecia areata.

View this study on msjonline.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Insights Into Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review Of Prevalence, Pathogenesis, And Psychological Consequences

February 2024 in “The Open dermatology journal”

Alopecia Areata affects people of all ages worldwide, is likely caused by genetic and environmental factors, and can lead to stress and depression, highlighting the need for treatments that address both physical and mental health.

research Ophiasis Alopecia Areata Treated with Microneedling

1 citations , April 2020 in “Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings”

Microneedling with triamcinolone helps hair regrowth in ophiasis alopecia areata.

research A Hair-Raising History of Alopecia Areata

15 citations , January 2020 in “Experimental Dermatology”

The document concludes that understanding and treatments for alopecia areata have significantly advanced, now recognizing it as an autoimmune disorder.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update

67 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

The document concludes that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease without a definitive cure, but treatments like corticosteroids are commonly used.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Ophiasis Pattern Alopecia Areata in an Infant

September 2023 in “Cureus”

Early recognition and treatment of atypical alopecia areata in infants are crucial.

research Serum Vitamin D Levels and Alopecia Areata: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study from North India

20 citations , January 2019 in “International journal of trichology”

People with Alopecia areata often have lower Vitamin D levels, which might affect the severity of their condition.

research Diagnosis and Management of Alopecia in Children

51 citations , January 2014 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America”

The guide explains how to identify and treat children's hair loss, including fungal infections, autoimmune disorders, hairstyle changes, self-correcting conditions, and behavioral therapy for hair-pulling.

research Lasers Uses in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata: Review Article

1 citations , April 2022 in “The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine ”

Fractional laser therapy may help regrow hair in alopecia areata.

research Assessment of Prognostic Markers of Alopecia Areata in Pediatric Patients

June 2023 in “International Journal of Research in Dermatology”

Early diagnosis and treatment of alopecia areata in children is crucial to prevent severe progression.

A Rare Case of Ophiasis Pattern of Alopecia Areata in a Child: A Case Report with Unani Insights

Research cited in this study

research Insights Into Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review Of Prevalence, Pathogenesis, And Psychological Consequences

research Ophiasis Alopecia Areata Treated with Microneedling

research A Hair-Raising History of Alopecia Areata

research Alopecia Areata: An Update

Related Community Posts Join

community Well here I am 3-4 years later.

community Topical Finasteride reduced my DHT more than Oral Dutasteride

community I 24F have gone from a full head of hair to ~30% of hair in 2 weeks

community Please stop looking for a natural way to stop your hairloss