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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Patchy hair loss on legs
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Patchy hair loss on legs
by Revil, Jun 03, 2004 12:00AM
I noticed a few months back 6 or 7 circular/oval patches on my legs where the hair was either completely gone or there was just stubble. These spots are not in friction areas. There seems to be a few miscellaneous hairs in this patch that seem weak and pull out easily. Let me take a step back and let you know about a year ago my liver enzymes were abnormal(AST 64,ALT 96). Over the past 3 months I've had them retested and all three times they came back normal. I asked my physician if we should keep retesting and he says no. My quesion is can this patchy hair loss be related to some sort of liver problem? Should I demand from my doctor that they look deeper into examining my liver even though my labs come back normal? I am concerned with cirrhosis even though I dont drink nor have Hepatitis. Also, for more background on me, I have vitiligo and also a hypothyroid that my doctor is working on getting under control. My dermatologist seemed confused and said it does not look like textbook Alopecia. Please help put my mind to rest about the possible liver condition.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 04, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 04, 2004 12:00AM
This sounds like alopecia areata of the legs. The same smooth, hairless patches that occur on the scalp or face can affect the legs. I can't think of another condition which would look like this. No treatment is likely to be useful. As with any case of alopecia, most people who have this aren't ill otherwise. It's pretty common--many who have it don't notice it because it's not in a cosmetically-sensitive location, or else there's not enough surrounding hair to make the contrast noticeable.
If your liver enzymes are normal, they're normal. Transient liver enzyme elevations are common and of no significance if they return to normal levels. Three confirmations seems like enough to me.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
If your liver enzymes are normal, they're normal. Transient liver enzyme elevations are common and of no significance if they return to normal levels. Three confirmations seems like enough to me.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by Revil, Jun 03, 2004 12:00AM
One thing to add to my post. I am a male and 40 years old.
by will555, Aug 16, 2008 07:01PM
A related discussion, Leg hair loss was started.
