Men’s experiences of alopecia areata: A qualitative study

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) affects men at similar rates to women, yet comparatively little is known about men’s experience of the condition. We interviewed a demographically diverse group of 18 men with AA to explore this gap. From qualitative thematic analysis, participants’ accounts described a profound yet often-minimised impact of AA on their lives, in the context of poor public awareness and misguided assumptions about AA in men. Conversely, this adversity appeared to facilitate personal growth for many. These findings can help health professionals better understand men’s gendered experience of AA, which we discuss through the lens of masculinities theory.