Abstract
Introduction: Alopecia can have a significant negative impact on patient’s lives. The objective of this study is to describe some of the emotional and psychological challenges that affect women with scarring alopecia (SA).
Methods: A qualitative study design was used with open-ended, individual interviews with 10 women with biopsy-proven SA. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti analysis software.
Results: Four overarching major themes (with several subthemes) emerged including the following: the negative emotional impact of SA, difficulties with concealing hair loss, negative experiences with diagnosis/management, and the importance of support from others. Patients reported that many of these issues were under-emphasized during doctor visits.
Conclusion: Analysis of patient responses indicated that patients with SA contend with significant emotional and psychological sequelae of their diagnosis.
Disclosure statement
The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest.