Epidemiology, Management, and the Associated Burden of Mental Health Illness, Atopic and Autoimmune Conditions, and Common Infections in Alopecia Areata: Protocol for an Observational Study Series

November 2021 in “ BMJ Open ”

Matthew Harries, A. E. Macbeth, Susan Holmes, Andrew R. Thompson, Wing Sin Chiu, William Romero Gallardo, Andrew G. Messenger, Christos Tziotzios, Simon de Lusignan

alopecia areata AA autoimmune conditions atopic conditions mental health comorbidities common infections epidemiology healthcare utilization treatments hair loss autoimmune diseases skin conditions mental health issues infections

Studysummary This study reviews the epidemiology of alopecia areata in the UK, focusing on its links to mental health comorbidities, autoimmune/atopic associations, and common infection incidences. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This observational study series aims to explore the epidemiology, mental health comorbidities, autoimmune/atopic associations, and common infections in individuals with alopecia areata (AA) using a large UK-based cohort of 5.2 million people. The study will describe the incidence and prevalence of AA, healthcare utilization, and treatments. It will also compare the prevalence and incidence of mental health conditions, atopic and autoimmune diseases, and common infections in people with AA to matched controls. The study does not require ethics approval and will disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Assessment of a Bidirectional Association Between Major Depressive Disorder and Alopecia Areata

37 citations , January 2019 in “JAMA Dermatology”

This study found a bidirectional relationship between major depressive disorder and alopecia areata, with each condition significantly increasing the risk of subsequently developing the other.

research JAK Inhibitors and Alopecia Areata

56 citations , January 2019 in “Lancet”

This review discusses the emerging use of JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata treatment and reports no new clinical results; it highlights hair regrowth despite symptom recurrence after stopping therapy.

research Comorbidities in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

100 citations , July 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that alopecia areata is linked with a higher prevalence of systemic and psychiatric diseases, suggesting that physicians should monitor for these potential comorbidities.

research Evaluation of the Relationship Between Alopecia Areata and Viral Antigen Exposure

19 citations , August 2017 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

This analysis reports that hepatitis B surface protein antigen exposure is associated with an increased risk of alopecia areata.

research A Mixed Methods Survey of Social Anxiety, Anxiety, Depression, and Wig Use in Alopecia

69 citations , April 2017 in “BMJ open”

This study found that people with alopecia who worry about not wearing a wig reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety, although wig use increased social confidence for many.

research Epidemiology and Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

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

This review reports that alopecia areata affects about 2% of people globally and is linked with psychiatric and medical comorbidities, highlighting its significant disease burden.

research Acute Diffuse and Total Alopecia of the Female Scalp Associated with Borrelia Infection

8 citations , January 2015 in “International journal of trichology”

In this case report, the authors describe complete recovery from acute diffuse and total alopecia linked to Borrelia infection after treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone and topical clobetasol foam.

research Overview of Alopecia Areata

110 citations , December 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

This article reviews current understanding of alopecia areata, its genetic and immune factors, and discusses ongoing research and treatment development, without presenting new experimental results.

research Prevalence of Dermatological Disorders in Japan: A Nationwide, Cross-Sectional, Seasonal, Multicenter, Hospital-Based Study

141 citations , March 2011 in “Journal of Dermatology”

This study in Japan found varying prevalence of skin disorders, with atopic dermatitis common in children and tinea pedis in the elderly, and observed gender differences in disease susceptibility.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the clinical presentation and histopathologic features of alopecia areata and proposes a hypothesis for its development, but it reports no new clinical results.

Reversible Alopecia Universalis Secondary to PEG-Interferon Alpha-2b and Ribavirin Combination Therapy in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

research Reversible Alopecia Universalis Secondary to PEG-Interferon Alpha-2b and Ribavirin Combination Therapy in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

41 citations , August 2007 in “European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology”

This case report documents a reversible instance of complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis) in a patient undergoing chronic hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin, with hair regrowth observed within three months after therapy completion.

research The Pattern and Profile of Alopecia Areata in Singapore: A Study of 219 Asians

275 citations , November 2002 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that among an Asian population with alopecia areata, commonly first episodes occurred before age 40, with severe cases linked to psychological effects and treatments showing significant regrowth.