Various Forms of Alopecia Areata (Image provided by the Korean Society of Hair Research)
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — Alopecia areata, a common autoimmune disorder causing sudden hair loss, is drawing heightened medical attention in South Korea due to its severe physical and psychological impacts.
According to the Korean Hair Research Society (KHRS), approximately 180,000 patients sought treatment for alopecia areata in 2024, with severe cases affecting between 9,000 and 18,000 individuals.
Unlike typical hair loss, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where immune cells mistakenly attack hair follicles, resulting in hair shedding. While commonly affecting the scalp, it can also impact eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Genetic predispositions and environmental stressors often contribute to its onset.
Dr. Heo Chang-hoon, vice president of the KHRS, noted, “Although it mainly affects young adults, it can occur in children and the elderly. Severe cases involve hair loss over more than 50% of the scalp and can progress to total body hair loss.”
Beyond cosmetic concerns, alopecia areata deeply affects mental health. A domestic survey found that 40% of patients experience depression, and 81.7% report a decline in quality of life. Social isolation and job-seeking challenges exacerbate psychological distress, with some severe cases leading to tragic outcomes.
Hair loss deeply affects mental health. (Image courtesy of Pixabay)
Emerging research has also linked alopecia areata to increased pregnancy risks. A study by Professor Shin Jung-won at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, published in the Acta Dermato-Venereologica, found that pregnant women with alopecia areata face higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, cesarean delivery, and congenital abnormalities.
Despite advances in treatments, such as the newly approved JAK inhibitors that selectively suppress autoimmune responses and promote hair regrowth, high treatment costs remain a barrier. Currently, JAK inhibitors are not covered by South Korea’s national health insurance, burdening patients with annual expenses of nearly 7.36 million won ($5,500).
Experts and patient advocacy groups are calling for expanded government support for severe alopecia areata treatments, similar to coverage for other autoimmune conditions like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Dr. Lee Young, a board member of the Korean Hair Research Society, emphasized, “Severe alopecia areata not only impacts social and psychological well-being but also increases vulnerability to physical health risks like sunburns and conjunctivitis due to the loss of hair’s protective function.”
As the demand for comprehensive medical and psychological support grows, experts stress the need for prompt diagnosis, tailored treatment, and policy reforms to alleviate the burden on alopecia areata patients.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
