ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Introduction-Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises of predominantly ulcerative colitis followed by Crohns disease in India. They affect predominantly gastro-intestinal area but extra-intestinal involvement also occurs which include skin also, symptoms of which can start before, simultaneously or later in the course of IBD.

Case Report-The presentcase report is of a30-year young male with history of six months alopecia universalis and a history of intermittent diarrhea associated with blood for three years. His Colonoscopy and biopsy on histopathological examination confirmed ulcerative colitis. Patient was on mesalamine, steroids and azathioprine. On follow up, there was no regrowth of hair.

Conclusion-Thus,clinicians should recognize that various skin manifestations, including alopecia, may be an extra-intestinal presentation of IBD, particularly ulcerative colitis (U.C.).