Epidemiological Analysis of Alopecia in Migrant Communities at Dr. Hair™ Clinics

Background: Alopecia, encompassing conditions such as alopecia areata (AA), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), and traction alopecia (TA), is a global health concern with significant psychosocial impacts. Migrant and ethnic minority communities face unique challenges due to genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural factors influencing alopecia prevalence and presentation. This review examines the epidemiology of alopecia in these populations, focusing on disparities, psychosocial effects, and barriers to care.Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, using keywords and MeSH terms for alopecia types, epidemiology, and migrant populations. Articles from 2014 to 2024, including original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, were selected. Data on prevalence, incidence, risk factors, psychosocial impacts, and care barriers were extracted and synthesized thematically with comparative tables.Results: AA prevalence is higher in Asian, Black, and Hispanic/Latino populations, with ratios up to 3.33 for South Asian children. AGA is increasing in Asian populations, nearing Caucasian rates, likely due to acculturation. TE surged >400% in minority communities during COVID-19, particularly among Hispanic/Latinx and Asians. TA affects up to 31.7% of African descent women due to tight hairstyles. Stigma and anxiety are significant, especially for Black AA patients, who face work absenteeism risks. Structural barriers, including insurance and language issues, exacerbate disparities.Conclusions: Alopecia disparities in migrant communities reflect genetic, environmental, and cultural factors. Culturally competent care, stigma reduction, and innovative data collection are needed. Specialized clinics and digital platforms can enhance access and contribute to research, promoting health equity.