From the Guidelines
Alopecia areata does not show a higher incidence in males, as it affects both males and females equally, with no significant gender predilection. According to the guidelines for the management of alopecia areata 1, the condition can occur at any age and there is no known race or sex preponderance. The key characteristics of alopecia areata include:
- Chronic inflammatory disease affecting hair follicles and sometimes nails
- Patches of hair loss on the scalp or any hair-bearing skin
- Short broken hairs (exclamation mark hairs) around the margins of expanding patches
- Nail involvement in about 10% of patients
- Variable prognosis, with 34–50% of patients recovering within 1 year, but almost all experiencing more than one episode of the disease. The study by 1 highlights that genetic factors play a role, with about 20% of patients having a family history of the condition, and associations with various genes, including major histocompatibility complex, cytokine, and immunoglobulin genes. The equal incidence of alopecia areata in males and females is a crucial aspect of the condition, and treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, regardless of gender.
From the Research
Alopecia Areata Incidence in Males
- The incidence of alopecia areata in males is a topic of interest, with some studies suggesting that females are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition 2, 3, 4.
- However, a study published in 2014 found that male patients with alopecia areata are more likely to be diagnosed in childhood and have a family history of the condition 2.
- Another study published in 2021 found that among 1,641 patients with alopecia areata, 46.6% were males, with a mean age of 29.86 years 3.
- A more recent study published in 2023 found that the prevalence and incidence of alopecia areata were higher among female individuals, but still reported a significant number of male cases 4.
Comparison of Studies
- The studies reviewed provide inconsistent evidence on the incidence of alopecia areata in males, with some suggesting a higher incidence in females 2, 3, 4.
- However, all studies agree that alopecia areata can affect both males and females, and that the condition has a complex genetic and environmental etiology 5, 6, 2, 3, 4.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the demographics of alopecia areata and to develop effective treatments for the condition 5, 6, 4.