«I had never seen women lose as much hair as I did»

When Irene first noticed the initial patches of hair loss, alopecia was the last thing she suspected. “I associated the word ‘alopecia’ with men and old age” recalls Irene, a patient with alopecia areata.

The first patches appeared around 2017. They were small and localised and, with treatment, Irene was able to regrow her hair. However, after the pandemic, the situation changed.

She returned to her doctor and began new treatments with corticosteroids and injections, which helped her hair grow back again. Then, in 2022, she experienced a much more severe relapse. “Within just a few days, I had lost all my hair” she explains.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss from different parts of the body due to changes in the normal hair growth cycle. It can affect the scalp, as well as the eyebrows, eyelashes, beard and other areas of the body.

There are many different types of alopecia, each with different causes and patterns of progression. “There are different types of treatment available. Depending on the individual case, these can help to stop hair loss or promote hair regrowth, as in Irene’s case” Dr. Andrea Combalia.

In general, alopecia can be divided into two main groups:

• Non-scarring alopecia: when the hair follicle remains viable, meaning that hair can regrow. This includes alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia (female and male pattern hair loss), chemotherapy-related anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium.
• Scarring alopecia: inflammation causes permanent damage to the hair follicle, preventing the hair from growing back. Frontal fibrosing alopecia is an example of this type.

Every type of alopecia requires an individual diagnosis

Hair loss can have many different causes, including genetic, hormonal, immune-related, inflammatory and metabolic factors, as well as certain medications.

For this reason, it is important to assess each case individually. Diagnosis involves examining the scalp and, when necessary, carrying out additional tests to identify the type of alopecia and determine the most appropriate treatment.

For autoimmune forms of alopecia, such as alopecia areata, new treatment options are now available, significantly expanding the range of treatments that can be offered.

More than a cosmetic concern

Although alopecia is often seen as a cosmetic issue, it can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

Hair loss can affect self-esteem, social interactions and the way a person perceives their own appearance. For women, this impact can be particularly significant, as hair loss in women remains relatively under-recognised and is still surrounded by stigma.

Living with alopecia

Alopecia often develops in episodes, with periods of hair loss followed by relapses. While some people experience spontaneous hair regrowth or respond well to treatment, others may experience progressive hair loss affecting the entire scalp or other areas of the body.

Today, Irene is sharing her experience to raise awareness of a reality that many women continue to face in silence.

Her story highlights the importance of seeking medical advice if you experience sudden or persistent hair loss. An early diagnosis can help identify the cause of alopecia and ensure that the most appropriate treatment is started as soon as possible. It can also provide support in managing the emotional impact of the condition.

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