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First page of Components of Severity in Alopecia Areata

Background: Severity of alopecia areata (AA) has been commonly defined by clinician assessment of scalp hair loss. Objective: To characterize patient-reported factors beyond scalp hair loss that contribute to AA severity, while modifying for socioeconomic factors. Methods: Patients with AA were recruited to take a survey. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate lifetime AA severity while adjusting for socioeconomic variables, current AA severity at the time of survey, and patient-reported disease burden. Results: Patient-reported AA severity was associated with scalp hair loss (OR 4.19, 95% CI [1.35-13], p=0.013), facial hair loss (OR 3.55, 95% CI [1.75-7.21], p<0.001), increased financial burden (OR 2.41, 95% CI [1.21-4.8], p=0.013), and greater emotional burden (OR 2.96, 95% CI [1.48-5.93], p=0.002), while presence of comorbidities were linked to less severe AA (OR 0.38, 95% CI [0.17-0.84], p=0.017). Limitations: Survey population was homogeneous and may not reflect the general community with AA. Self-reported data may introduce recency or recall bias. Conclusion: Scalp and facial hair loss, along with emotional and financial burdens, correlate with increased patient-reported AA severity. This suggests factors beyond scalp hair loss should be considered when assessing AA severity.

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Research Article
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S. Karger AG, Basel
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2025
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