This study, which aimed to identify distress by sites of hair loss and psychosocial stressors for a pediatric alopecia areata population, enrolled 50 patients (32 females, 18 males, ages 7-17 years) from pediatric dermatology clinics, including a monthly hair disease clinic. Patients completed a 47-question survey. Scalp hair loss was rated as often or always bothersome in 34.7%; eyebrow loss in 24.3%; and eyelash loss in 21.6%, and 6 patients (12%) discontinued a social activity due to hair loss. Referral to behavioral/mental health specialists should be considered to improve psychosocial outcomes.
Keywords: alopecia areata; burden of disease; pediatric dermatology; quality of life; survey.
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