Serum zinc level in alopecia areata patients: a cross-sectional study

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair disorder. Trace elements imbalance (like zinc) has been reported as its triggering factor. In this study we compared serum zinc level in alopecia areata patients with normal values.

Twenty-three female and 19 male patients with alopecia areata were recruited and their serum zinc levels were assessed using absorption spectrometery. Chi squared, t and ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis.

Sixteen patients with more extensive and prolonged disease, had serum zinc level lower than normal (70 µg/dL). The means of serum zinc levels in patients and normal population were 81.88 µg/dL and 83.5 µg/dL, respectively. This difference was not significant (P=0.668). The means of serum zinc level in different types of alopecia areata were not significantly different (P>0.05). There was an association between serum zinc level and disease duration (P=0.022).

Patients with more severe forms of alopecia areata had lower serum zinc level than other forms of the disease.