Bilateral Association Between Atopic Dermatitis® and Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) and alopecia areata (AA) are chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
• A potential bidirectional relationship between AD and AA warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between AD and AA.
• To assess the prevalence and incidence of AA in AD patients and vice versa.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases was performed.
• Included studies were analyzed for the prevalence/incidence of AD in AA patients and AA in AD patients.
• Meta-analysis was used to quantify the association between the two conditions.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of AD in patients with AA was 11.2%, and the prevalence of AA in patients with AD was 3.2%.
• A significant association was found between AD and AA, regardless of which condition was the exposure factor (OR = 4.537 when AA was the exposure, OR = 2.643 when AD was the exposure).
• The incidence of AD in AA patients showed age-related variation.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis confirms a significant two-way association between atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata.
• The findings provide valuable clinical insights for the prevention and management of both AD and AA.
• Further research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving this comorbidity.