Epidemiology of alopecia areata and its association with atopic dermatitis: A comparative analysis of data from the Moscow Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology and the Federal Registry
A. G. Gadzhigoroeva,
N. N. Potekaev,
G. P. Tereshchenko,
O. V. Zhukova,
O. L. Novozhilova,
E. V. Tolstoguzova,
E. M. Berezovskaya,
D. Yu. Vurdov,
E. P. Piterskaya https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-329
Abstract
Introduction. One of the frequent comorbid conditions in alopecia areata is atopic dermatitis. Existing epidemiological data on alopecia areata and its association with atopic dermatitis remain contradictory and insufficiently studied, which underscores the relevance of this research.
Aim. To study the epidemiological characteristics of alopecia areata in Moscow and its association with atopic dermatitis based on population and registry data.
Materials and methods. A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted by analyzing medical records of patients diagnosed with alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis monitored at the Moscow Center for Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology from 2020 to 2024. Federal statistics (Form No. 12), outpatient records (No. 025/u-04), and a specialized alopecia areata registry were used. Rates per 100 000 population were calculated.
Results. Significant differences in alopecia areata epidemiology were found (p < 0.001): prevalence in children (36.8/100 000) was 2.7 times higher than in adults (13.7/100 000), incidence – 22.2 vs. 7.9/100 000/year. Overall morbidity increased by +83.3%, prevalence by +62.6% (p < 0.001). The association between alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis was significant (p < 0.001): overall frequency 2.66% (95% CI: 2.37–2.95), higher in children (4.09%; OR = 8.3, 95% CI: 7.1–9.7) than adults (1.85%; OR = 14.1, 95% CI: 11.9–16.7). The highest increase occurred in 2021. In the adult alopecia areata registry, atopic dermatitis was present in 15.9% (64/403).
Conclusions. The significant age-dependent association between alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis confirms atopic dermatitis as an established risk factor. Registry data provide more accurate information on comorbidities. The results justify screening for atopy in alopecia areata patients and the need for a multidisciplinary management approach.
About the Authors
A. G. Gadzhigoroeva
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aida G. Gadzhigoroeva - Dr. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Scientific Department of Clinical Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, MSPC of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Professor of the Department of Dermatovenereology, Allergology and Cosmetology of the Medical Institute, PFUR named after Patrice Lumumba.
17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071; 6, Miklukho-Maklai St., Moscow, 117198
N. N. Potekaev
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nikolay N. Potekaev - Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Skin Diseases and Cosmetology of the Faculty of Continuing Professional Education, Pirogov Russian NRMU; Director, Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology.
1, Ostrovityanov St., Moscow, 117997; 17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071
G. P. Tereshchenko
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Galina P. Tereshchenko - Cand. Sci. (Med.), Head of the Consultative and Diagnostic Center, MSPC of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Associate Professor of the Department of Dermatovenereology, Allergology and Cosmetology of the Medical Institute, PFUR named after Patrice Lumumba.
17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071; 6, Miklukho-Maklai St., Moscow, 117198
O. V. Zhukova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology; Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga V. Zhukova - Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology, Allergology and Cosmetology of the Medical Institute, PFUR named after Patrice Lumumba; Chief Physician, Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology.
6, Miklukho-Maklai St., Moscow, 117198; 17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071
O. L. Novozhilova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olga L. Novozhilova - Dermatovenerologist, Deputy Chief Physician for Organizational and Methodological Work.
17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071
E. V. Tolstoguzova
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elvira V. Tolstoguzova - Medical Statistician.
17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071
E. M. Berezovskaya
Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena M. Berezovskaya - Head of the Department of Medical Statistics.
17, Leninskiy Ave., Moscow, 119071
D. Yu. Vurdov
Central Research Institute of Organization and Informatization of Healthcare
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Denis Yu. Vurdov - Postgraduate Student, General Practitioner.
11, Dobrolyubov St., Moscow, 127254
E. P. Piterskaya
National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology named after Academician I.I. Dedov
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ekaterina P. Piterskaya - General Practitioner, Cardiologist of the Highest Qualification Category, Research Fellow.
11, Dmitriy Ulyanov St., Moscow
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For citations:
Gadzhigoroeva AG, Potekaev NN, Tereshchenko GP, Zhukova OV, Novozhilova OL, Tolstoguzova EV, Berezovskaya EM, Vurdov DY, Piterskaya EP. Epidemiology of alopecia areata and its association with atopic dermatitis: A comparative analysis of data from the Moscow Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology and the Federal Registry. Meditsinskiy sovet = Medical Council. 2025;(14):212-223. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2025-329
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