Evaluation of Quality of Life Scores and Family Impact Scales in Pediatric Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

The study assessed the impact of alopecia areata (AA) on the quality of life of 72 pediatric patients and their families using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Dermatological Family Impact Scale (DeFIS). It found that AA significantly affects the emotional and psychosocial well-being of children and their families, with a greater impact on families of female patients. The mean parental DeFIS score was higher for families of female patients compared to male patients (25.3 vs. 17.6, P = 0.001). Topical immunotherapy was more frequently used in female patients (82%) than in male patients (55%, P = 0.021). The study highlights the substantial emotional and social challenges faced by pediatric patients with AA and their families.