Comparative study on sexual dysfunction in alopecia areata: prevalence and associated factors.

Background and objectives: Alopecia areata (AA) impairs quality of life. However, there is no evidence on the impact of this disease in terms of sexual dysfunction (SD). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of SD and possible associated factors in a cohort of patients with AA.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of AA patients matched with healthy controls. Sexual function was assessed using a numerical scale and gender-specific questionnaires.

Results: A total of 60 patients with AA and 60 healthy controls were included. The prevalence of SD was higher in women with AA than in healthy controls and in men with AA (p < 0.05). Female SD was associated with younger age, shorter duration of illness and higher rates of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Male SD was associated with older age and greater severity of AA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Women with AA appear to have higher rates of SD than healthy controls and men with AA. Similarly, the factors associated with SD differ between men and women, with mood disturbance being of greater relevance in women, whereas disease severity seems to play a key role in men.