An occupational perspective of the lived experience of individuals with Alopecia Areata: A scoping review.

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic condition that causes unpredictable hair loss, often leading to significant psychological distress. While the social and medical implications of AA have been explored, the occupational impact has not been considered. This scoping review aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals with AA from an occupational perspective. A five-stage methodological framework was followed, with a search conducted across three databases (2003-2023), identifying key terms related to AA and its effects on both children, adults, and older adults. Eleven qualitative studies were selected from an initial 265 results, including 989 participants aged 10-79, mainly from North America and the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically, identifying three key themes: (1) Navigating AA through occupations across the lifespan, (2) Occupational Engagement in Self-Care is not Always Pleasurable, and (3) Connecting the meaning of hair and its loss with daily occupations. The review concluded that AA affects various aspects of life, including work, study, self-care, and physical activities. While the condition can be distressing, it sometimes leads to the development of new, meaningful occupations. These findings highlight the potential role of occupational therapists in supporting individuals with AA.