Alopecia Areata:The Clinician and PatientVoice

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder of hair follicles, results in varying degrees of scalp, facial, and body hair loss. In addition, it is associated with profound psychosocial and quality-of-life impairments, which can lead to anxiety and depression.The clinical course is unpredictable, with spontaneous remissions and relapses. There is no cure, and current treatments are limited by their efficacy, safety, and high relapse rates after discontinuation.This article reviews clinician and patient perspectives on AA, based on clinician and physician surveys, and discusses the unmet needs and gaps in care.