20 years of the socioeconomic impact of atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata from around the globe

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata (AA) represent chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by heterogeneous immune-mediated mechanisms, including subtypes that may interconnect the two diseases, as well as other comorbidities. AD is globally recognized as the most common inflammatory skin disease and AA is an autoimmune disease, causing non-scarring hair loss. In both diseases the quality of life (QoL) is decreased, out-of-pocket expenses on alternative therapies and camouflage endeavours is high, increased productivity loss/absenteeism at work or school, and high healthcare costs are significant. These diseases are not life threatening but result in a substantial socioeconomic impact, which so far has been difficult to quantify on the global scale. This qualitative review that includes literature published between 2004 and 2024 evaluates the current alignment between available healthcare resources and the comprehensive needs of these patients. Currently available data indicates that the socioeconomic impact of AD and AA is evidently high, meanwhile there is data lacking from most countries in Africa, Scandinavia and East Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. Global studies with standardized methodology are necessary to assess the socio-economic impact of these conditions.