International Disparities in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and Sunscreen Use

Summary: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) has become increasingly common with certain observational studies reporting a positive correlation between facial moisturizers/sunscreen use and FFA. We wanted to determine sunscreen’s role in FFA development and whether there is a variation in disease rates among geographical populations who may be exposed to different environmental factors. Aldoori et al found that in the United Kingdom (UK), women who used sunscreen at least twice-weekly had two-times the likelihood of developing FFA compared to women who did not use sunscreen regularly. Kidambi et al found similar results in UK men with FFA who had higher rates of primary sunscreen use and higher rates of at least twice-weekly use of facial moisturizer with unspecified sunscreen content. Quite glaringly is the lack of data and studies on this topic from the United States (US) which could be used to compare FFA and sunscreen associations to that of other nations. Many populations cannot afford or lack access to sunscreens or facial moisturizers.