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.

Keywords:
Alopecia areata, Coeliac disease, Gluten-free diet
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2000
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