[Contact thermometry of lesions in alopecia areata]

The contact thermometry has been performed at the center of lesions, at the periphery and at the adjoining healthy skin in 10 patients with alopecia areata (AA) of the scalp. The lowest temperature was recorded in the center of lesions (approximately 33.55 degrees C), slightly higher in the periphery (approximately 33.71 degrees C) and the highest in the adjoining healthy skin (approximately 34.01 degrees C). The authors suggest the skin temperature to be the result of the degree of vascularization. The obtained results were examined in reference to the results published elsewhere on the light and electronic microscopy of AA lesions where the changes in capillaries were found. Based on all the above, the authors consider the topical use of drugs that improve the peripheral circulation to be justified in the treatment of AA.