The Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata: Evidence from a Survey in Norway and Sweden

February 2026 in “ Acta Dermato Venereologica ”

Sofia Löfvendahl, Frida Hjalte, Ida Haggren, Flora Balieva, Flora Balieva, Tsen‐Fang Tsai

alopecia areata Janus kinase inhibitors systemic therapies

TLDR Alopecia areata causes significant financial strain and dissatisfaction with treatment in Norway and Sweden.

A survey conducted among 329 adults with alopecia areata (AA) in Norway and Sweden revealed a significant economic burden, with annual mean total costs of €7,677 in Norway and €12,582 in Sweden. The largest component of these costs was indirect, due to reduced productivity from presenteeism and long-term sick leave, accounting for 61-64% of the total. Out-of-pocket expenses were substantial, with individuals in Norway and Sweden covering 65% and 50% of direct costs, respectively. There was widespread dissatisfaction with treatment and healthcare support, with limited use of systemic therapies and Janus kinase inhibitors, likely due to reimbursement issues. The study highlights the need for improved therapies, healthcare support, and policy recognition of AA's impact in these countries.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research European Expert Consensus Statement on the Systemic Treatment of Alopecia Areata

4 citations , January 2024 in “JEADV. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Baricitinib and ritlecitinib are recommended for severe alopecia areata, with other treatments available off-label.

research Establishing The Financial Burden Of Alopecia Areata And Its Predictors

October 2023 in “Skin health and disease”

Alopecia areata costs individuals about 3% of their income, with women, Asians, those with lower income, and more severe symptoms spending more.

research Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Study of Direct and Indirect Cost in Japan Using Real-World Data

2 citations , July 2023 in “Journal of dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes a significant economic burden in Japan, mainly due to productivity loss.

research Ginger Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Alopecia Areata

April 2023 in “Tikrit journal of pharmaceutical sciences”

Ginger extract helps hair growth and reduces the need for prednisolone in alopecia areata patients.

research Alopecia Areata: Burden of Disease, Approach to Treatment, and Current Unmet Needs

1 citations , March 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Current treatments for Alopecia Areata have mixed success, and there's a need for better, more accessible options and support for affected individuals.

research Out-Of-Pocket Costs In Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study In German-Speaking Countries

1 citations , January 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

People with alopecia areata in German-speaking countries spend a lot on their condition, with hair products and treatments being the most costly.

research The Association of Alopecia Areata-Related Emotional Symptoms with Work Productivity and Daily Activity Among Patients with Alopecia Areata

29 citations , December 2022 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Emotional symptoms from alopecia areata reduce work productivity and daily activity.

research Economic Burden and Healthcare Resource Use of Alopecia Areata in an Insured Population in the USA

12 citations , April 2022 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Alopecia areata leads to significantly higher healthcare costs due to more doctor visits and prescriptions.

Quality of Life Measurement in Alopecia Areata: Position Statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient-Oriented Outcomes

research Quality of Life Measurement in Alopecia Areata: Position Statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient-Oriented Outcomes

24 citations , June 2021 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use specific tools to measure quality of life in alopecia areata patients and improve future treatments.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review on Diagnosis, Immunological Etiopathogenesis, and Treatment Options

56 citations , January 2021 in “Clinical and Experimental Medicine”

The document concludes that while there are various treatments for Alopecia Areata, there is no cure, and individualized treatment plans are essential due to varying effectiveness.

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

128 citations , February 2016 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata significantly lowers the quality of life, especially in emotional and mental health aspects.

research Epidemiology and Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

144 citations , July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.

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