An Occupational Perspective of the Lived Experience of Individuals with Alopecia Areata: A Scoping Review

September 2025 in “ British Journal of Occupational Therapy ”

Lisa C. Lindley, Daniel Marinho Cezar da Cruz, Angela Murphy

alopecia areata occupational therapy hair loss self-care occupational engagement AA

TLDR Alopecia Areata affects daily life but can lead to new activities.

This scoping review explored the occupational impact of alopecia areata (AA) on individuals, analyzing 11 qualitative studies with 989 participants aged 10–79 from North America and the UK. The review identified three key themes: navigating AA through occupations across the lifespan, the challenges of occupational engagement in self-care, and the connection between hair loss and daily occupations. It concluded that AA affects various life aspects, including work, study, self-care, and physical activities, but can also lead to the development of new, meaningful occupations. The findings suggest a potential role for occupational therapists in supporting individuals with AA.

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