According to the study — published in the Journal of Dermatological Reviews — that ascertained the impact of alopecia or hair loss on the quality of life among adults in India, many of the questionnaire respondents “reported feeling ashamed, embarrassed, frustrated, humiliated, or annoyed due to alopecia”.
Even though reactions to the disease are different for everyone, there are some common emotions that many people who have alopecia areata and the people around them say that they experience. These include feelings of grief, anxiety, loss, fear, embarrassment, loneliness and anger.
It's common to feel embarrassment about experiencing hair loss; especially for women. While it's not as commonly talked about, up to half of all women will experience some form of hair loss during their lifetime.
Alopecia areata is not life-threatening and does not cause physical pain. However, the psychosocial effects of hair loss can be devastating. In addition, patients may experience symptoms related to hair loss, such as increased eye or nasal irritation after loss of eyelash or nasal hair.
Alopecia areata isn't usually a serious medical condition, but it can cause a lot of anxiety and sadness. Support groups are out there to help you deal with the psychological effects of the condition. If you lose all your hair, it could grow back.
Alopecia areata affects 1 in every 500 to 1,000 people in the United States. It is one of many recognized forms of alopecia; alopecia areata is the second most common form after androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness in men and female-pattern baldness in women).
Multiple studies have linked male pattern hair loss to lowered self-esteem and decreased confidence. A 2019 study in the International Journal of Trichology found that androgenic alopecia lowered the quality of life for many men, with particular effects in the areas of self-perception and interpersonal relations.
However, 71% of men said they felt less attractive when going through hair loss, which then had an impact on their relationships. It seems as though these surveys conclude that many women value good hair when it comes to sex appeal and many men see themselves as less attractive when balding.
Studies over decades have shown that bald or balding men are perceived as less physically attractive (Blaker et al., 2020; Cash, 1990; Hellström & Telke, 1994; Mannes, 2013; Moerman, 1988; Muscarella & Cunningham, 1996; Roll & Vernis, 1971).
Alopecia areata is not medically disabling; persons with alopecia areata are usually in excellent health. But emotionally, this disease can be challenging, especially for those with extensive hair loss.
Jada Pinkett Smith is one of the most famous celebrities with alopecia. She was diagnosed with alopecia areata in 2018, and has been open about it on social media since then. Jada has used steroid treatment and covered her hair with wigs and headscarves to disguise her condition.
Alopecia areata affects nearly 2% of the general population at some point during their lifetime.
Hair is a big part of our identity. It's normal to be upset if you see signs of change, especially because hair loss might also cause other worries about your health. Losing your hair can trigger a range of emotions, from shame and anger to fear and even depression.
There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments that help hair grow back more quickly. There are also resources to help people cope with hair loss.
Injuries. Due to fixed mindsets and baldness stigma of many people, bald people usually get mocked or laughed at, which can be disheartening for them. People also experience a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem due to this.
In fact, there is something about being bald that is making men embrace their hairless state without any cosmetic enhancement like wearing a wig. Maybe, they finally realised that lack of hair does not mean lack of attractiveness or masculinity. In fact, multiple studies have proved that bald is now beautiful!
Though the symptoms of alopecia areata typically do not cause physical pain, many people with the condition say that it causes emotional, or psychological, pain. This type of pain is as serious (and can feel the same) as physical pain and can lead to feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety.
Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, including baldness, has been linked to a significantly increased risk for dementia, new research shows.
Alopecia areata is more common among African Americans but less common among Asians, compared with whites, according to a new study involving registry data for more than 11,000 individuals.
Barry actor Anthony Carrigan said his alopecia has improved his acting capabilities. The 39-year-old actor stars as NoHo Hank in HBO's Bill Hader-led hitman comedy.
A few people who develop alopecia areata will progress to total scalp baldness (alopecia totalis). Even fewer people will lose all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis).
It may be progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, or it may not. For some people, small bare patches join together and turn into large patches. You're more likely to have extensive alopecia areata if: You have eczema.