Stressful lie events in alopecia areata patients: A case control study

Abstract

Background: The possibility of influence of stress especially of stressful life events on the course of alopecia areata has long been postulated. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between stressful situations and the onset/ exacerbation of alopecia areata. Methods: Fifty patients with Alopecia Areata seen in the Department of Dermatology were included in this study. The design was a case-control study. Stressful events were evaluated using Holmes and Rahe's social readjustment rating scale. Severity of alopecia areata was measured by Severity of Alopecia Tool. Results: Mean age was 30.84 ±10.70 years. The majority of patients identified stressful events, compared to 56% of subjects in the control group (p=0.003). The most important matters in the alopecia areata group were related to personal problems (p=0.015) and financial problems (p=0.010). Conclusion: Stress seems to play an important role in the onset and aggravation of alopecia areata.