Alopecia Areata Linked to Pollen, Dust, and Cat Allergies

Authors from China recently performed a large study to assess the relationship between alopecia areata and various allergic conditions, including hay fever, eczema, asthma, and allergies to pollen, dust, and cats.

Interestingly, the authors’ data showed a significant genetic correlation between atopy/allergies and an increased risk of developing alopecia. Notably, strong associations were observed for eczema, hay fever, asthma, and specific allergies to pollen, dust, and cats. All these conditions are associated with an increased risk to develop alopecia areata.

The authors conclude that there is compelling genetic evidence of an association between atopic and allergic conditions and the development of alopecia areata.

REFERENCE

Xu W et al. Genetic links between atopy, allergy, and alopecia areata: insights from a Mendelian randomization study. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2024 Apr 27;20(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s13223-024-00892-w.