Gender Differences in Psychosocial Outcomes of Hair Loss Resulting from Childhood Irradiation for Tinea Capitis

July 2021 in “ International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ”

Liat Hoffer, Netta Achdut, Shifra Shvarts, Dorit Segal‐Engelchin

hair loss childhood irradiation tinea capitis psychosocial issues depression low self-esteem social anxiety social avoidance hypertension

TLDR Women who lost hair from childhood head radiation are more likely to face mental health issues than men.

The study focused on 322 individuals (217 women and 105 men) who experienced hair loss due to childhood irradiation for tinea capitis and found that women were significantly more likely to suffer from psychosocial issues such as depression, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and social avoidance compared to men. Despite controlling for factors like marital status, age at radiation, bullying, and physical health problems, gender remained a significant predictor of depression. Women also had a higher prevalence of hypertension. The study suggests that healthcare professionals should consider the psychosocial needs of patients, particularly women, who have suffered hair loss from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis.

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