Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune disorder with an estimated lifetime risk of 1.7% where both genetic pre-disposition and environmental factors contribute. It typically presents with sharply demarcated round patches of non-scarring hair loss that may present at any age. Current medical therapies (topical or systemic) for AA are not reliably effective, particularly for severe disease and there is no robust evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials. Patients with AA experience significant mental health and health related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment. Furthermore, at the country level, skin conditions such as AA ranged from 2nd to 11th leading cause of years lived with disability. It was shown that AA appears to affect all countries across the world similarly, and the health burden has remained stable despite substantial advances in healthcare and health-related resources. More recently, Mesinkovska et al demonstrated that the impact of AA extends beyond cosmetic concerns and carries a considerable psychosocial burden.~Many patients with AA are dissatisfied with current medical treatments and use alternative therapies and cosmetics. Cosmetics and not reimbursed treatments can weigh heavily on patients spending.This study will generate new data on the current situation of psychosocial and financial burden of AA. It will help to identify unmet needs and to understand the disease issues. It will also be the basis for the planification of future supporting measures.
Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex autoimmune disorder with an estimated lifetime risk of 1.7% where both genetic pre-disposition and environmental factors contribute. It typically presents with sharply demarcated round patches of non-scarring hair loss that may present at any age. Many patients with AA are dissatisfied with current medical treatments and use alternative therapies and cosmetics. This study will generate new data on the current situation of psychosocial and financial burden of AA. It will help to identify unmet needs and to understand the disease issues. It will also be the basis for the planification of future supporting measures.