What are the psychological ramifications?
Although alopecia areata is medically benign, it can be psychologically devastating. The loss of hair–with its sudden onset and unpredictability of both its severity and recurrence–evokes not only cosmetic concerns, but also rouses up feelings of vulnerability, loss of self-esteem, loss of control, helplessness and alterations in self-image. In fact, a grief reaction often occurs. Family, friends and even physicians may suggest to those with alopecia areata that their hair loss is brought on by stress, which may cause those affected to engage in self-blame. Further, people with alopecia areata are often “comforted” by family and friends that at least they do not have cancer, but only a benign cosmetic problem, thus inducing feelings of guilt for feeling so terrible. This often prevents those affected from verbalizing their feelings, which, in time, can lead to emotional isolation. To respond to the emotional trauma evoked by alopecia areata, The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (N
