Influence of stress factors on Alopecia areata

Abstract

Introduction: Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair loss is usually localized and is exacerbated by hair loss on the scalp and body. More than 80 percent of all patients experience stress before the onset of any autoimmune disease. Stress increases the release of corticotropin from the hypothalamus, which leads to mast cell degranulation. Nerve growth factor binds to its own P75NTR receptor in the outer layer of the hair, stimulating cell apoptosis and activating the catagen phase of hair growth. Aim: This study was conducted to assess pre-disease stress factors in people with Alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: Our study included 80 people with hair loss and 80 healthy people of all ages and genders, using The Holmes and Rahe Stress scale questionnaire. Results: The study found that the mean stress score for the hair loss group was 212.7±127.6, while the mean stress score for the control group was 114.4±96.8, which was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the healthy group. The mean score for mild clinical stress was 153±118.1, the mean score for moderate stress was 240.2±120.9, and the mean score for severe stress was 242.4±140.5. The higher the severity of the disease, the higher the stress level, which is statistically significant (p=0.048). However, there was no difference between the duration and frequency of hair loss. Conclusion: The level of stress in the Alopecia areata group is significantly higher than in the healthy group, and the higher the severity of the disease, the higher the stress level.