When your patient's parent asks: "My child's alopecia areata is not getting better. Should he or she get tested for celiac disease?"

The relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease has been suspected for more than 20 years. For a particular individual with alopecia areata, the risk of coexisting celiac disease and the potential benefit of a gluten-free diet on hair loss or regrowth is known. Despite this limited information, patients often aske dermatologists whether they should undergo celiac disease testing or begin a gluten-free diet. We reviewed all available studies of the relationship between alopecia areata and celiac disease to provide guidance to practicing clinicians.