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Review
. 2020 Sep-Oct;12(5):197-204.
doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_99_20. Epub 2020 Nov 3.

Cumulative Life Course Impairment of Alopecia Areata

Laura J Burns  1 , Natasha Mesinkovska  2   3 , Dory Kranz  2 , Abby Ellison  2 , Maryanne M Senna  1   4
Affiliations
Review

Cumulative Life Course Impairment of Alopecia Areata

Laura J Burns et al. Int J Trichology. 2020 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA), an unpredictable, nonscarring hair loss, is commonly perceived as a cosmetic, rather than medical, concern. However, substantial evidence exists describing the negative impact on quality of life, as the disease affects patients personally, socially, financially, and physically. Over time, the cumulative disability may perpetuate poor confidence, social disconnection, negative coping strategies, and failure to achieve a full life potential. Here, we describe the cumulative life course impairment (CLCI) of AA by examining the complex interaction of (1) stigmatization, (2) physical and psychiatric comorbidities, and (3) coping strategies. The model aggregates existing cross-sectional data, which have previously captured disease burden only as snapshots in time. Thus, by examining cumulative effects, the CLCI model serves as a proxy for longitudinal data to better describe life course epidemiology of the disease.

Keywords: Alopecia areata; cumulative life course impairment; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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