Alopecia Areata and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

February 2016 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Fanni Rencz, László Gulácsi, Márta Péntek, Norbert Wikonkál, Petra Baji, Valentin Brodszky

alopecia areata health-related quality of life HRQOL Dermatology Life Quality Index DLQI scalp involvement anxiety depression wig AA

Studysummary This study found that patients with alopecia areata experience significant impairments in health-related quality of life, notably affecting mental health, according to various quality of life assessment tools.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The systematic review and meta-analysis from 2016 analyzed the impact of alopecia areata (AA) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in 2,530 adult patients across 21 studies. It found that AA significantly impairs HRQOL, particularly affecting role-emotional, mental health, and vitality. The study also identified three AA-specific HRQOL instruments but noted they require further validation. The mean pooled Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score for AA patients was 6.3, indicating a significant reduction in HRQOL compared to controls. Factors such as wearing a wig improved HRQOL, while scalp involvement, anxiety, and depression worsened it. The study emphasized the need for more research on the validity of AA-specific HRQOL measures and the inclusion of HRQOL assessments in treatment efficacy studies.

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Research cited in this study

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research British Association of Dermatologists’ Guidelines for the Management of Alopecia Areata 2012

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research Clinical Severity Does Not Reliably Predict Quality of Life in Women With Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium, or Androgenic Alopecia

86 citations , May 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that patients with alopecia perceive their hair loss as more severe than dermatologists do, and their own ratings of hair loss severity better reflect their quality of life impacts.

Quality of Life in Alopecia Areata: A Study of 60 Cases