The Psychological Impact of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Men: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia increasingly recognized in men, with potential psychological repercussions. This study aimed to assess the impact of FFA on men's quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted including men diagnosed with FFA who completed the Hair-Specific Skindex-29 (HSS29), Women's AGA Quality of Life Questionnaire (WAA-QoL), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations were analyzed using Spearman's correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Eighty-one men (mean age 54.7 years) participated. Moderate to severe emotional impairment was present in 39.5% of patients, particularly in younger individuals and those with temporal hairline involvement. Mean HADS scores indicated mild psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

FFA significantly affects men's QoL, especially younger patients, underscoring the need for psychosocial assessment regardless of disease severity. FFA is a type of scarring alopecia that is increasingly affecting men [J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;86(2):481-484; J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(4):670-678]. A negative impact on the emotional and psychological health of patients has been reported [JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(4):479-480]. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of FFA on the QoL in men.