Alopecia is a medical condition, currently believed to be an auto-immune disorder, characterised by loss of hair.
Sufferers find that the hair on their scalps or other parts of the body starts to fall out in patches. This is called alopecia areata. However, this condition is just one in a series of alopecia conditions which only differ in terms of how much hair is lost. Alopecia totalis is where the hair falls out on the entire scalp, whilst alopecia universalis, the most advanced of all similar conditions, affects the entire body.
For many women who fear hair loss, alopecia universalis is considered to be a worst-case scenario. There is no cure and no certainty over whether the hair will grow back or not. More importantly, having no hair at all on your body can strip you of your self-confidence, self-esteem and even your identity.
Currently, the most well-known sufferer of alopecia universalis is Scottish TV presenter Gail Porter. She has experienced a lengthy battle with hair loss, as has been well-documented in the press due to Gail’s attempts to raise awareness of the issue.
The good news for alopecia universalis sufferers is that Gail’s hair has started to grow back. Her struggle and ultimate triumph over female hair loss shows that the condition isn’t always permanent, nor does it have to ruin your life.