TLDR Alopecia greatly lowers the quality of life for South African Black women, especially affecting their self-image and social interactions.
In 2015, a pilot study involving 50 South African Black women aged 21-79 with alopecia revealed that the condition significantly affected their quality of life (QoL), with a mean QoL index (QLI) of 67.7, indicating a substantial negative impact. The study highlighted that subjective experiences of alopecia and self-image were the most detrimental to QoL, followed by relationship and social interaction issues. Objective symptoms like pruritus were less impactful. The study suggested that alopecia leads to anxiety and reduced self-esteem, and that healthcare providers should address the psychosocial aspects of the condition. It also noted that older patients tended to be more accepting of their alopecia. Despite limitations such as sample size and selection bias, the study underscored the need for more rigorous QoL research in dermatology.
14 citations
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August 2010 in “The Open Dermatology Journal” Australian women with female pattern hair loss have a poorer quality of life, and starting treatment doesn't immediately improve it.
170 citations
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December 2009 in “Histopathology” The conclusion is that accurate diagnosis of different types of hair loss requires good teamwork between skin doctors and lab experts.
105 citations
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April 2004 in “Dermatologic Therapy” The document concludes that proper diagnosis and a combination of medical, hair-care, and surgical treatments are important for managing alopecia in black women.
73 citations
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June 2003 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Dermatologists need to understand African American hair-care practices to better treat their hair and scalp disorders.
46 citations
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September 2002 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Women with hair loss often feel depressed, while men are more anxious and aggressive.
58 citations
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September 1991 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Women with AGA often face anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem; psychological support is important.
16 citations
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November 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Alopecia greatly lowers the quality of life for South African Black women, especially affecting their self-image and social interactions.
