Alopecia areata is an autoimmune, non-scarring hair loss disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis. The glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) plays an essential role in immune regulation and inflammatory response. The rs41423247 polymorphism (BclI) may influence glucocorticoid sensitivity and disease activity. This study aims to investigate the association between NR3C1 rs41423247 polymorphism and susceptibility to alopecia areata and to evaluate its correlation with disease severity using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score.

Inclusion Criteria (Cases):

• Clinically diagnosed alopecia areata
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Both sexes
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Inclusion Criteria (Controls):

• Apparently healthy individuals
• No history of autoimmune disease
• Age- and sex-matched to cases
• Provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
• Current systemic immunosuppressive therapy
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Refusal to participate

The study will include 60 patients clinically diagnosed with alopecia areata and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls recruited from the same geographic area.