title: Alopecia areata in the Indian subcontinent.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although alopecia areata is a well-recognized entity, it is riddled with issues that need to be addressed; therefore, the epidemiology, clinical data, and psychological impact of alopecia areata were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  An observational study was performed in 65 consecutive patients in the Indian subcontinent. Physical examination and questionnaires on medical, socioeconomic, and psychological status were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data observed in the present study revealed that socioeconomic factors and stress play a significant role in the initiation, development, and persistence of alopecia areata. This assumes greater importance in resource-poor settings where due attention to this disease can improve the management of this benign yet frustrating condition. Further studies may be warranted.
authors.affiliation: Dermato-Venereology (Skin/VD) Centre, Sehgal Nursing Home, A/6 Panchwati, Azadpur, Delhi, India. drsehgal@ndf.vsnl.net.in
authors.forename: Virendra N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Sehgal
authors.forename: Govind
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: Ashok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
authors.forename: Geetanjali
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.forename: Tulsi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Adhikari
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000506:Alopecia Areata / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors