Alopecia Mucinosa: Report of a Case and Review

Abstract

Background: Alopecia mucinosa has been shown to be associated with many benign and malignant conditions. It can be seen in childhood but is seen more commonly in adulthood. Alopecia mucinosa is generally felt to occur in three settings: a primary idiopathic form, a form associated with malignancy, and a form secondary to inflammatory conditions. The histologic hallmark is the accumulation of mucin in the follicular epithelium, called follicular mucinosis. Therapy for alopecia mucinosa remains problematic. Objective: We present a representative case of alopecia mucinosa and discuss the etiology, histology, epidemiology, treatment, and prognosis. Conclusion: We report a case of idiopathic alopecia mucinosa that responded to minocycline with a complete remission and we review the literature on alopecia mucinosa.