The Psychological Impact of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia in Men: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: 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.
Source: Skin Appendage Disorders
DOI: 10.1159/000551665
Institutions: Hospital Del Mar, Parc de Salut, Universidad de Alcalá, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Sevilla
Language: English
Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7140106717