Allergies to Pollen, Dust and Cats: A Closer Look at the Link to Alopecia Areata

Cat, Dust and Pollen Allergies are Linked to AA

Authors from China recently performed a large study to assess the relationship between alopecia areata and various allergic conditions, including hay fever, eczema, asthma, and pollen, dust, and cat allergies.

Interestingly, the authors’ data showed a significant genetic correlation between atopy/allergies and an increased risk of developing alopecia. Notably, strong associations were observed for eczema, hay fever, asthma, and specific pollen, dust, and cat allergies. All these conditions are associated with an increased risk of developing alopecia areata.

The authors conclude that there is compelling genetic evidence of an association between atopic and allergic conditions and the development of alopecia areata.

Comment

I enjoyed reading this study. It ties in with previous studies I’ve reviewed showing that treatment of allergies is sometimes needed in cases of refractory alopecia areata.