Alopecia areata is a frequently encountered hair disorder characterized by the rapid hair loss, usually from the scalp. Alopecia areata may have a negative impact on patient's life.

The aim of our study was to assess the impact of alopecia areata on the quality of life of patients.

The study included 50 patients diagnosed with alopecia areata and 50 age-sex matched individuals selected from a general population without any hair loss (control group). Quality of life was evaluated using the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). Severity of the disease was evaluated by Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT).

Patient's mean age was 32.92 years. Fifty-two percent of patients were females. There was statistically significant difference between the patients and control group with regard to general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional and mental health scores. Of the eight subscales on SF-36, general health and role emotional scores were lower in women who suffered from alopecia areata. Impaired mental health was correlated to age (p = 0.017) and severity of alopecia areata (p = 0.015).

It appears unlikely that alopecia areata seems to have a partly negative impact on the health related quality of life. These results can encourage dermatologists to give patients the treatments and the psychological help they require.