Sexual Dysfunction in Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

April 2025 in “ Journal of Clinical Medicine ”

Piotr K. Krajewski, Aleksandra Złotowska, Jacek C. Szepietowski, David Saceda‐Corralo

alopecia areata sexual dysfunction hair loss psychosexual disorders

TLDR Hair loss in alopecia areata can negatively affect sexual quality of life.

This systematic review investigates the impact of alopecia areata (AA) on sexual dysfunction, revealing that hair loss significantly affects the sexual quality of life for patients and their partners. The review synthesizes data from eight studies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing sexual dysfunction as a comorbid condition in AA. However, the small sample sizes and diverse populations in these studies limit the ability to draw definitive conclusions. The review calls for further research with standardized diagnostic criteria and larger cohorts to better understand the psychosexual disorders associated with AA.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Psychosocial Impact of Alopecia in Men: A Mixed-Methods Survey Study

June 2024 in “Skin Health and Disease”

Men with alopecia often feel less confident and have lower wellbeing, needing more support.

research Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo: Commonalities and Differences

April 2024 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Alopecia areata and vitiligo share immune system dysfunction but differ in specific immune responses and affected areas.

Enhancing Quality of Life and Sexual Functioning in Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapeutic Potential of Hair Follicle-Derived Stem Cells

research Enhancing Quality of Life and Sexual Functioning in Female Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapeutic Potential of Hair Follicle-Derived Stem Cells

March 2024 in “Healthcare”

Stem cell treatment improved life quality and sexual function in women with hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: Current Treatments and New Directions

57 citations , August 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

JAK inhibitors and platelet-rich plasma show promise for treating alopecia areata.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Symptoms in People Living with Alopecia Areata: A Single-Group Case-Series Design

research The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Symptoms in People Living with Alopecia Areata: A Single-Group Case-Series Design

6 citations , August 2023 in “Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy”

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may reduce social anxiety and improve wellbeing in people with alopecia areata.

research Janus Kinase Inhibitors for Alopecia Areata: A Narrative Review

2 citations , June 2023 in “Indian journal of dermatology, venereology, and leprology”

Janus kinase inhibitors can regrow hair in alopecia areata but may cause side effects and hair loss may return if treatment stops.

research Alopecia Areata: An Updated Review for 2023

91 citations , May 2023 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

Alopecia Areata affects 2% globally, with treatments like essential oils, garlic, and JAK inhibitors showing promise, but more research is needed.

research Novel Potential Therapeutic Targets of Alopecia Areata

1 citations , April 2023 in “Frontiers in Immunology”

New treatments for hair loss from alopecia areata may include targeting immune cells, using stem cells, balancing gut bacteria, applying fatty acids, and using JAK inhibitors.

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 The Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Scoping Review Focusing on Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Work Productivity

10 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Alopecia areata greatly affects people's life quality, mental health, and work life.

research Systematic Review of Psychological Interventions for Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Hair Growth in Alopecia Areata and Scarring Alopecia

29 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

Psychological interventions can improve mental health and quality of life in people with alopecia.

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39 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

research Quality of Life and Mood Status Disturbances in Cohabitants of Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Spanish Population

5 citations , December 2022 in “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health”

Alopecia Areata affects both patients and their cohabitants' quality of life and emotional well-being.

research How Our Microbiome Influences the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

4 citations , October 2022 in “Genes”

Our microbiome may affect the development of the hair loss condition Alopecia Areata, but more research is needed to understand this relationship.

research The Associated Burden of Mental Health Conditions in Alopecia Areata: A Population-Based Study in UK Primary Care

20 citations , February 2022 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People with alopecia areata have a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and often face unemployment and work absences.

research Lifestyle Factors Involved in the Pathogenesis of Alopecia Areata

16 citations , January 2022 in “International journal of molecular sciences”

Certain daily habits like stress, diet, and sleep can affect the severity of hair loss in alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: Current Understanding and Management

11 citations , January 2022 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Alopecia areata is a chronic condition causing hair loss, with new treatments targeting the immune system showing promise.

research Alopecia Areata: An Update on Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

290 citations , August 2021 in “Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology”

JAK inhibitors show promise for treating alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

‘You Lose Your Hair, What’s the Big Deal?’ I Was So Embarrassed, I Was So Self-Conscious, I Was So Depressed: A Qualitative Interview Study to Understand the Psychosocial Burden of Alopecia Areata

research ‘You Lose Your Hair, What’s the Big Deal?’ I Was So Embarrassed, I Was So Self-Conscious, I Was So Depressed: A Qualitative Interview Study to Understand the Psychosocial Burden of Alopecia Areata

30 citations , September 2020 in “Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes”

Alopecia Areata (AA) causes significant emotional distress, including feelings of embarrassment, depression, and anxiety, and impacts social interactions and daily activities.

research Cyclosporine With and Without Systemic Corticosteroids in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review

13 citations , April 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Cyclosporine combined with corticosteroids is more effective for severe alopecia areata than cyclosporine alone.

research Sexual Dysfunction in Men Taking Systemic Dermatologic Medication: A Systematic Review

11 citations , March 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some men taking finasteride for hair loss may experience sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive, which can persist even after stopping the medication.

research Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata

23 citations , August 2018 in “Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia”

Both androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata negatively impact quality of life, with no significant difference between them.

research JAK Inhibitors for Treatment of Alopecia Areata

63 citations , July 2018 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

JAK inhibitors can effectively reverse hair loss in people with alopecia areata.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Simvastatin and Ezetimibe

21 citations , December 2017 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

Simvastatin/ezetimibe may help treat new cases of alopecia areata but not long-term cases.

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.

research New Aspects of the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

18 citations , January 2014 in “Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii”

Personalized treatment plans are important for people with alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata: A New Treatment Plan

67 citations , July 2011 in “Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology”

The document suggests a personalized treatment plan for alopecia areata based on the patient's age and hair loss severity, using a range of therapies ranked by effectiveness and safety.

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151 citations , February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

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