LB1007 Hair loss and traction alopecia in the Sikh population

Traction alopecia is common in individuals of the Sikh faith who wear tight bun hairstyles covered by turbans. An IRB-approved 50-question survey self-assessing hair loss and various care practices was offered voluntarily through email distribution to national organizations. Out 156 total respondents, 82% indicated they wore a turban daily. Of participants specified turban, 50% kept it on for at least 6-12 hours day while 19.5% 12-18 10% 18-24 hours. The majority subjects (75.5%) felt that tied their “just right” 23.7% preferred tie tightly. Most (79.5%) were experiencing somewhere scalp, with 72.4% specifying occurred primarily frontal temporoparietal regions scalp. Those frontal-temporal also noted itching (34.3%), thin, broken hairs scalp region (22.9%), blisters or bumps (13.3%), shiny scarred skin (10.5%). In response question querying if wearing contributed loss, 43% agreed statement 29% disagreed. While 73% being unhappy 63.4% feeling anxiety worry over it, only 18.5% had seen physician care. those declining see 51% gave reason unsure condition treatable. attempting treat home tried oils (35.4%), tying more loosely (23%), (12%). This pilot data confirms there are knowledge treatment gaps community regarding alopecia, suggesting many have active symptoms associated mental health concerns. Further studies should explore correlation between traction alopecia.