Abstract about FFA....becoming an epidemic....

Original Article
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: An Emerging Epidemic
Mirmirani P.a,b,c · Tosti A.d · Goldberg L.e · Whiting D.f · Sotoodian B.g
Author affiliations

Keywords: Frontal fibrosing alopeciaScarring alopeciaEpidemic

Abstract
Since the initial description of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in 1994, increasingly more cases of FFA have been reported in literature. Although clear epidemiologic data on the incidence and prevalence of FFA is not available, it is intriguing to consider whether FFA should be labeled as an emerging epidemic. A medline trend analysis as well as literature review using keywords "alopecia," "hair loss," and "cicatrical" were performed. Medline trend analysis of published FFA papers from 1905 to 2016 showed that the number of publications referenced in Medline increased from 1 (0.229%) in 1994 to 44 (3.5%) in 2016. The number of patients per published cohort also increased dramatically since the first report of FFA. Over the time period of January 2006-2016, our multi hair-referral centers collaboration study also showed a significant increase in new diagnoses of FFA. At this juncture, the cause for the rapid rise in cases is one of speculation. It is plausible that a cumulative
environmental or toxic factor may trigger hair loss in FFA. Once perhaps a "rare type" of cicatricial alopecia, FFA is now being seen in a frequency in excess of what is expected, thus suggestive of an emerging epidemic.

© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by 2Dachshunds on October 25, 2018 at 5:42pm

Wow, ok I hope some research money will finally go to this condition.  Fingers crossed!

Permalink Reply by Maz on October 25, 2018 at 7:56pm

I'd say there's several possible explanations. 50 years ago I knew an older woman who always wore a scarf. She said she had alopecia but I never saw it and have no idea which type it was. As I remember the prevailing understanding at that time was that it was an inherited condition and I don't think there was any distinction between types of alopecia. It's entirely possible that the current prevalence is the result of FFA being recognised as a separate entity and the recognition and reporting of such increasing over time. As most of us know, when you see your GP about your undiagnosed FFA they have very little understanding of it. Many women accept what their GP tells them and go away and wear a scarf. Remember, most of us are older and have to accept the ravages of time, gracefully or not.

Permalink Reply by Diart on November 1, 2018 at 10:56pm

Thanks for posting this. We're not alone even though it feels that way some days.

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