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Hi Cindie
How strange that last night I was talking with my husband about the plight of boys and young men with this condition. It is a difficult thing to navigate, but it can be done.
As Aimee has suggested medications may work if he has just a few spots...fingers crossed! Also remember remission is something that does often happen... especially with children who have AA (rather than AU and AT).
I don't believe you are with out the ability to help here. My daughter was first diagnosed when she was 12 years old she is now 23 and even though she is obviously a girl, I feel the premise is similar.
As a mum I know all you want to do is protect him and stop the pain. What I realised over the years of helping my daughter manage this condition was that empowerment for her was key to her feeling better about herself. I also knew without a doubt she fully needed our whole families support and friends as well. The hard reality is he may not be able to hide this forever and it may be very helpful to give him the tools on how to handle this with those around him. I would discuss options with him...like talking to his teacher....making sure he is safe at school and not being bullied...working out a plan of action on how he can handle any type of bullying...giving him the tools to educate those around him in simple terms.
I think the biggest thing at the moment is to find out what the fears are and address those sensibly and methodically. Sometimes it is really difficult for boys in particular to articulate their fears, but this is the saddest thing about alopecia for children, they have to learn to communicate with you now as now is when they need to learn the skills.
I would also get in touch with CAP and NAAF. They have some very good support information for children and their families.
If I can help in any way feel free to contact me.
Cindie
Big hugs for you and your son. I really think boys do close themselves off from the pain to a certain extent and it is harder to get to where they need the support. I would bring Dad in on this if you can. As closing himself off doesn't give anyone a chance to help with the fear that he is living with. It also makes him vulnerable to bullying etc. I really do understand how difficult this is...but I know that you will be able to work this out for him and your family. Just keep doing your best to find the time to communicate with him. Even when he doesn't want to....the truth is this isn't just about him. You need his support so you can help...he isn't allowed to freeze you out....that would be cruel. Even though this condition is happening to your son it is effecting everyone that loves him and he needs to understand that and communicate with you all (even when he doesn't want to).:(
I'm in two minds on what to say with regards to other conditions that come along with alopecia sometimes (not all the time though). In my case, with my daughter she does have other conditions (eczema, asthma, anaphylactic food allergies, crohn's disease and alopecia universalis). At this time all are copable, but as you may imagine it can be challenging...especially the crohns disease. Alopecia is an auto immune condition which sometimes leads onto other problems and conditions (sometimes not).
You are in my thoughts Cindie...If I can help at all please feel free to contact me.
Rosy
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