Prevalence of Alopecia Areata Increasing in Japan

Prevalence of Alopecia Areata in Japan Rose from 0.16 % in 2012 to 0.27 % in 2019

Alopecia areata appears to be rising in many countries. A recent study highlighted the rising prevalence of alopecia areata in Japan. Patients registered in the Japan Medical Data Center claims database over the period January 2012 to December 2019 and diagnosed with alopecia areata were included in the study. Prevalence was calculated yearly.

In total, 61 899 patients were diagnosed with AA. The authors showed, among other findings, that the prevalence of AA in Japan has been gradually increasing. It rose from 0.16% in 2012 to 0.27% in 2019.

The most common comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata in this study were allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Depression and anxiety were also noted to be frequent in these patients, as were other autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, thyroid diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Down syndrome was found to be a comorbidity associated with severe forms of alopecia areata in children.

Conclusion and Summary

An important observation in this study was the rise in alopecia areata over an 8 year period of observation.

REFERENCE

Campos-Alberto E et al. Prevalence, comorbidities, and treatment patterns of Japanese patients with alopecia areata: A descriptive study using Japan medical data center claims database. J Dermatol. 2022 Nov 2.