الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background : Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by non scarring hair loss. It most commonly affects the scalp, but any hair bearing area of the skin can be affected. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of AA is unknown and different factors have been proposed to be responsible in the pathogenesis of AA. There are claims that trace elements imbalance may trigger the onset of or aggravate AA. The aim of the work: The aim of the work was to assess concentrations of certain trace elements (Zn, Cu & Mg) in the hair of AA patients and evaluate the role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of AA. Subjects: The present study represents a case–controlled study. It included 60 subjects; 40 patients with AA and 20 age and gender matched healthy controls. The patients were diagnosed on the basis of typical clinical appearance of scalp lesion. They were randomly recruited from the outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Andrology & STDs of Mansoura University Hospitals during the period from October 2018 until June 2019. Methods: All persons in this study were subjected to the following: full history taking (age, gender, residence, onset, duration, present history, past history of diseases or drugs used, family history), general examination and detailed dermatological examination. Hair samples (about 0.5 gram hair) were obtained from the back of the head with sterile scissors and kept in plastic bags until preparation for analysis. The samples were analyzed for Zn, Cu and Mg concentrations using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results& Conclusion: Alopecia areata group showed significantly lower zinc concentrations when compared to control group. AA patients with multiple patches as well as with higher SALT score had significantly lower zinc concentrations. No significant differences were found in copper and magnesium between AA and control groups. In addition, copper and magnesium concentrations did not differ significantly between single and multiple patches within AA cases or according to SALT score. On conclusion, lower zinc concentration was considered independent predictor for AA occurrence as well as independent predictor for multiple AA lesions and higher SALT score. Recommendations: Further investigations taking larger number of patients and also, dividing them into further classifications of AA to obtain better knowledge of the effect of these trace elements are needed. Also, treatment with zinc supplements can be tried in these patients to see the outcome.