Alopecia Areata Epidemiology

Key Highlights

• DelveInsight's analysis projects that in 2023, there were approximately 855 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of alopecia areata in the EU4 and the UK. This number is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9%.
• The increase in alopecia areata cases is anticipated due to rising autoimmune triggers such as stress, environmental pollution, dietary changes, and genetic predisposition, along with heightened awareness and improved diagnostic methods across the 7MM.
• In 2023, the US had around 611 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of alopecia areata, with cases projected to grow at a 1.4% CAGR through 2034.
• In 2023, Germany reported approximately 48 thousand cases of alopecia areata in males and 97 thousand cases in females.
• Among EU4 and the UK, around 14% of alopecia areata cases were classified as mild, 45% as moderate, and 41% as severe in 2023.
• In Japan, approximately 85% of alopecia areata cases in 2023 occurred in individuals before 40 age group, while 15% were observed in those above 40 age group, indicating higher susceptibility among the under-40 age group.

 

DelveInsight’s “Alopecia Areata – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of alopecia areata, historical and forecasted epidemiology of alopecia areata in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Geography Covered

• The United States
• EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom
• Japan

Study Period: 2021-2034

Alopecia Areata Disease Understanding 

Alopecia Areata Overview

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition that causes hair loss, primarily on the scalp and face, but sometimes affecting other areas of the body. It can occur in individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. The condition arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss that varies in severity among individuals. Although its exact cause is unknown, genetic factors and environmental influences are thought to contribute. Beyond its physical effects, alopecia areata can profoundly impact emotional health.

 

Alopecia areata manifests in various forms. Patchy alopecia causes distinct bald spots, while alopecia totalis leads to complete scalp hair loss. Alopecia universalis affects scalp, facial, and body hair. Ophiasis involves band-like hair loss around the edges of the scalp, and sisaipho spares these areas but targets the center. Diffuse alopecia causes widespread thinning, while alopecia barbae affects facial hair.

 

The differential diagnosis of alopecia areata involves distinguishing it from other non-scarring hair loss conditions, such as tinea capitis, trichotillomania, and telogen effluvium. It is frequently associated with various comorbidities, including autoimmune disorders (e.g., thyroid diseases, vitiligo), atopic conditions (e.g., eczema, asthma), psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression), and nutritional deficiencies. The prevalence of comorbidities often varies by age and severity: children co mmonly exhibit atopy, while older adults are more likely to experience autoimmune thyroid conditions. Screening for associated conditions is guided by presenting symptoms, clinical history, and specific indicators, ensuring appropriate diagnosis and management tailored to the patient’s unique circumstances.

Further details related to diagnosis are provided in the report…

Alopecia Areata Epidemiology

For the purpose of designing the patient-based model for alopecia areata, the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by Prevalent Cases of Alopecia Areata, Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alopecia Areata, Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent cases of Alopecia Areata, Age Onset-based Diagnosed Prevalent cases of Alopecia Areata, and Severity-specific Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alopecia Areata in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2021 to 2034. 

• DelveInsight's epidemiology model estimates that in 2023, there were approximately 2.1 million prevalent cases of alopecia areata across the 7MM, a figure expected to increase by 2034. 
• Japan accounted for nearly 342 thousand prevalent cases of alopecia areata, which are expected to increase by 2034.
• Among the 7MM in 2023, the US reported the second highest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of alopecia areata, with approximately 611 thousand.
• In 2023, EU4 and the UK reported approximately 546 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of alopecia areata in females and 309 thousand cases in males, with numbers expected to rise by 2034.
• In the UK, about 89% of alopecia areata cases in 2023 were found in individuals under 40, while 11% occurred in those over 40, suggesting a higher susceptibility in the under-40 age group.
• In 2023, around 14% of alopecia areata cases in Germany were mild, 45% moderate, and 41% severe. These patterns of severity are expected to persist, with the overall prevalence projected to rise by 2034.
• In 2023, Italy recorded the lowest number of diagnosed prevalent cases of alopecia areata among the EU4 and the UK, with approximately 99 thousand cases reported.

KOL Views

To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease prevalence. 

 

DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 20+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the Brigham and Women's Hospital, the US, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, the US, Carver College of Medicine, the US, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin,  Germany, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Nantes, France, University of Bologna, Italy, International University of Catalonia (UIC Barcelona), Spain, University of Bradford, the UK, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Japan among others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease prevalence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.

 

As per the KOLs from the US, early detection is pivotal in improving patient outcomes and enhancing healthcare efficiency. It enables access to a broader range of treatment options, including less aggressive therapies, which greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Timely diagnosis is strongly associated with higher survival rates, as it prevents the disease from advancing to more severe stages.

 

As per the KOLs from the Germany, alopecia areata's epidemiology in France presents unique challenges due to its multifactorial etiology and underreported prevalence. Despite advancements, gaps persist in understanding genetic and environmental triggers within diverse populations. Limited awareness among primary care providers often delays diagnosis, exacerbating patient psychosocial burden. Addressing these gaps requires enhanced epidemiological surveillance, multidisciplinary research, and public health initiatives to destigmatize the condition. Only by bridging scientific understanding with societal awareness can we improve outcomes for those affected.

 

As per the KOLs from Japan, the understanding of alopecia areata in Japan remains limited due to scarce epidemiological data. To address this gap, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the prevalence and severity of the condition within the Japanese population. This insight will be pivotal in shaping future research initiatives and guiding the development of tailored treatment options for affected patients.

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a segment of key events, an executive summary, a descriptive overview of alopecia areata, explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, and currently available diagnostic algorithms and guidelines.
• Comprehensive insight has been provided into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, disease progression, and diagnosis guidelines.
• The report provides an edge for understanding trends, expert insights/KOL views, and patient journeys in the 7MM.
• A detailed review of current challenges in establishing the diagnosis.

Alopecia Areata Report Insights

• Patient Population
• Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
• Prevalent Cases of Alopecia Areata
• Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Alopecia Areata 
• Gender-specific Diagnosed Prevalent cases of Alopecia Areata 
• Age Onset-based Diagnosed Prevalent cases of Alopecia Areata 
• Severity-specific Diagnosed Prevalent cases of Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata Report Key Strengths

• 10 years Forecast
• The 7MM Coverage 
• Alopecia areata Epidemiology Segmentation 

Alopecia Areata Report Assessment

• Current Diagnostic Practices Patient Segmentation

Epidemiology Insights

• What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of alopecia areata? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM concerning the patient population of alopecia areata?
• What is the historical and forecasted alopecia areata patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan?
• Why are the total cases of alopecia areata in Japan lower than in the US?
• Which country has a high patient share for alopecia areata?

Reasons to Buy

• Insights on patient burden/disease, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
• To understand the alopecia areata cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
• To understand the perspective of key opinion leaders around the current challenges with establishing the diagnosis options.
• Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the forecast period covered in the report?

The alopecia areata epidemiology report for the 7MM covers the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, providing a projection of epidemiology dynamics and trends during this timeframe.

 

2. Out of all EU4 countries and the UK, which country had the highest population of alopecia areata cases in 2023?

The highest cases of alopecia areata were found in the UK among EU4 and the UK in 2023.

 

3. How is epidemiological data collected and analyzed for forecasting purposes?

Epidemiological data is collected through surveys, clinical studies, health records, and other sources. It is then analyzed to calculate disease rates, identify trends, and project future disease burdens using mathematical models.

 

4. Out of all 7MM countries, which country had the highest population of alopecia areata cases in 2023?

The highest cases of alopecia areata were found in the US among the 7MM in 2023.