Retrospective Evaluation of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Alopecia Areata in a Single Dermatological Department

This retrospective study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alopecia areata (AA) in 428 patients from a single dermatological center. The study found a 207.62% increase in hospitalizations for AA after the pandemic, with admissions rising from 223 to 686. There was also a significant 55.6% increase in diagnoses of alopecia areata totalis. The study noted a shift in the residential distribution of pediatric patients, with more residing in urban areas post-pandemic. These findings suggest a potential correlation between COVID-19 and changes in the incidence and progression of AA, highlighting the need for further research to improve treatment outcomes.