Quality of Life, Psychosocial Difficulties and Bullying in Pediatric Patients with Alopecia Areata: A European Cross-Sectional Study

This European cross-sectional study involving 417 adolescents, including 156 with alopecia areata (AA) and 261 healthy controls, found that those with AA experienced significantly higher rates of bullying, particularly verbal bullying, due to visible symptoms like hair loss and nail damage. Girls with AA faced more emotional distress and bullying compared to boys, who reported better emotional and social quality of life. Longer disease duration was linked to increased emotional difficulties and reduced school performance. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and collaboration among dermatologists, psychologists, and educators to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of adolescents with AA.