20 Years of the Socioeconomic Impact of Atopic Dermatitis and Alopecia Areata from Around the Globe

May 2025 in “ Clinical and Translational Allergy ”

Katarina Stevanovic, Manuel P. Pereira, Oanh Kieu Nguyen, Ingrid van Hofman, Cathrin Meesch, Torsten Zuberbier

alopecia areata atopic dermatitis chronic inflammatory diseases

TLDR Atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata have a major global socioeconomic impact, needing more research and better healthcare alignment.

The document reviews the socioeconomic impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata (AA) over 20 years, highlighting their profound effects on quality of life and financial burden. Both conditions lead to significant psychological issues, including high rates of depression and anxiety, with over 30% of sufferers affected globally. AD and AA patients experience impaired sleep, social isolation, and reduced productivity, which exacerbate their conditions. Financially, patients incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses for treatments, with many unable to afford necessary care. For instance, in Ireland, 52% of adult AD patients reported financial strain due to treatment costs. The review underscores the need for effective management strategies and mental health support to alleviate the burden on patients and their caregivers.

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research Establishing The Financial Burden Of Alopecia Areata And Its Predictors

October 2023 in “Skin health and disease”

Alopecia areata costs individuals about 3% of their income, with women, Asians, those with lower income, and more severe symptoms spending more.

research Economic Burden of Alopecia Areata: A Study of Direct and Indirect Cost in Japan Using Real-World Data

2 citations , July 2023 in “Journal of dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes a significant economic burden in Japan, mainly due to productivity loss.

research The Invisible Impact Of A Visible Disease: Psychosocial Impact Of Alopecia Areata

40 citations , June 2023 in “Dermatology and Therapy”

Alopecia Areata causes emotional stress and stigma, but those with severe hair loss may adapt better.

research BH07 The Socioeconomic Burden of Alopecia Areata

1 citations , June 2023 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes significant financial strain, especially for women and those with severe symptoms.

research Out-Of-Pocket Costs In Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Study In German-Speaking Countries

1 citations , January 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica”

People with alopecia areata in German-speaking countries spend a lot on their condition, with hair products and treatments being the most costly.

research Economic Burden and Healthcare Resource Use of Alopecia Areata in an Insured Population in the USA

12 citations , April 2022 in “Dermatology and therapy”

Alopecia areata leads to significantly higher healthcare costs due to more doctor visits and prescriptions.

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 Overview of Alopecia Areata

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

Alopecia areata is a genetic and immune-related hair loss condition that is often associated with other autoimmune diseases and does not typically cause permanent damage to hair follicles.