THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALOPECIA AREATA AND VIRAL FACTORS, PARASITES AND EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS

Abstract

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or body. Its exact etiology remains unknown, but viral factors, parasites, and emotional triggers have been studied as possible contributors to the development of the disease. This study aims to explore the relationship between alopecia areata and viral factors, parasites, and emotional triggers, investigating scientific evidence and highlighting their importance in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. A review of the scientific literature was performed to identify epidemiological, observational, and experimental studies related to alopecia areata and its possible triggers. The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were used for the search, with search terms related to alopecia areata, viruses, parasites, emotional stress, and emotional triggers. The reviewed studies provided suggestive evidence of a possible association between alopecia areata and viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, as well as parasitic infections, such as Demodex mite infestation. Furthermore, the impact of emotional stress, anxiety and depression on alopecia areata has been widely recognised, with chronic stress being considered a major trigger. Alopecia areata is a multifactorial condition, influenced by a complex combination of genetic, immunological, environmental and psychosocial factors. Although the relationship between alopecia areata and viral, parasitic and emotional triggers still requires further investigation, evidence suggests that these elements play a significant role in the development and progression of the disease.