Review of global epidemiology data for alopecia areata highlights gaps and a call for action.

A review of global epidemiology data for alopecia areata (AA) highlights the need for improved and inclusive prevalence and incidence data. The study found that new therapies are effective in some patients, suggesting an incomplete understanding of the disease. The review also identified gaps in current AA epidemiology, with limited data available from only 28 out of 189 countries. The study emphasizes the importance of developing specific diagnostic codes for AA, distinguishing between different types of AA, and gathering more information about comorbidities and social determinants of health. Efforts can be borrowed from other diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, to address these gaps and improve understanding and care for AA patients. [Extracted from the article]