Decreased sweat‐gland number and function in patients with alopecia areata

Summary In this study the number and function of sweat glands on the dorsum of the hand and foot were evaluated using a silastic imprint method. Twenty patients. 11 females and nine males with either alopecia areata. alopecia totalis. or alopecia universalis were included in the study. Patients showed a significant decrease in activated sweat‐gland number and function compared to matched controls (P<0.001). There was no significant relationship between the degree of sweat‐gland dysfunction and extent of hair loss, concurrent illnesses, or treatment. These findings suggest that eccrine sweat‐gland function is compromised in patients with alopecia areata.