Case Report: Alopecia areata in an adolescent after COVID-19 infection

COVID-19 infection may trigger the onset or progression of various autoimmune disorders, although the exact pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We report the case of a girl presenting with patchy hair loss 1 week after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, who was subsequently diagnosed with alopecia areata (AA). Serum autoantibody testing returned negative results. Treatment involved external application of topical glucocorticoids and minoxidil to stimulate hair regrowth. After 6 months of therapy, a significant improvement in hair density was observed across the scalp, with only a single recalcitrant patch of AA remaining. Given the increasing prevalence of COVID-19, the potential for viral-induced AA warrants clinical attention.