Scalp alopecia in men with beard alopecia: What are the risks?

Scalp alopecia in men with beard alopecia

Alopecia areata is a relative common autoimmune condition affecting up to 2 % of the world. Beard and facial alopecia is particularly concerning to many men as it can be challenging to camouflage. A frequent question from patients with beard alopecia areata is "how likely is it that I will eventually develop patches on my scalp?" Another wonderful multicentre study from Spain helped answer that question. The researchers studied 55 men with beard alopecia and followed them for at least one year. In the study, 45 % of males developed scalp alopecia over the follow up period. Most who did develop AA (80%) did so in the first 12 months. The conclusion from the study was that a significant proportion of males with beard AA do in fact develop patches of scalp AA warranting long term follow up for these patients.

Reference
Saceda-Corralo D, et al. Beard alopecia areata: a multicentre review of 55 patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017.