Identification and Characterization of Alopecia Areata Subgroups Regarding Quality of Life Impairment Based on Demographic, Clinical, Psychological, and Social Factors

This study analyzed 322 individuals with alopecia areata (AA) to identify subgroups based on quality of life (QoL) impairment, using demographic, clinical, psychological, and social factors. Eight subgroups were identified, with varying levels of QoL impairment influenced by factors such as feeling flawed, secretiveness, avoidant coping, and social support. The lowest QoL impairment was linked to low feelings of being flawed and secretiveness, while the highest was associated with feeling flawed and avoidant coping. The study highlights potential risk and protective profiles for QoL in AA, suggesting that psychological therapies could improve QoL. Limitations include its cross-sectional design and fewer male participants, but it benefits from a large international sample and novel subgroup identification.