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Turner's syndrome associated with psoriasis and alopecia areata
Author(s) -
Rosina P,
Segalla G,
Magnanini M,
Chieregato C,
Barba A
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of the european academy of dermatology and venereology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.655
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1468-3083
pISSN - 0926-9959
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.t01-1-00502.x
Subject(s) - alopecia areata , medicine , psoriasis , dermatology , turner syndrome , short stature , scalp , alopecia universalis , girl , depression (economics) , pediatrics , psychology , developmental psychology , economics , macroeconomics
Turner's syndrome is a sex chromosomal abnormality characterized by gonadal failure, short stature, skeletal and medical anomalies due to structural defects or monosomy of the X chromosome. The association between this syndrome and autoimmune diseases has been reported in the literature. This case report highlights the finding of two immunological skin diseases, alopecia areata and psoriasis, in an 18‐year‐old girl with Turner's syndrome. By the time of her referral to the Department of Dermatology, Verona University (Italy) the girl had suffered from psoriasis on the scalp for 5 years and alopecia for 6 months; the diagnoses were confirmed by histological evaluation. Topical therapy was useful for the treatment of the psoriatic lesions but not for the alopecia areata. Alopecia areata and psoriasis occurring together in Turner's syndrome may indicate some genetic relationship and could support the concept that these patients have the tendency to develop autoimmune or immunological diseases. Anxiety, depression and unsatisfactory relationships could have been important trigger factors in our patient. Multidisciplinary management, including psychological, educational and behavioural techniques, in addition to other therapies, could be useful in treating these conditions.