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AA-Two months in and many questions
Hello all,
33 y.o. female here. I was diagnosed with AA in September ('14) and this still seems like such a mysterious disorder to me. Hoping someone can help answer a few questions: Firstly, I have two large areas of hair loss on my upper scalp on opposite sides of my head. I'm seeing patchy regrowth in both areas, but the bald spots are also getting larger at the same time. It's at the point now where I don't have enough hair on my crown between the two areas to cover both spots, so I have to wear my hair up and put makeup on them so they don't show through. Anyway, this wasn't really my question because I've pretty much said to hell with it and will let what ever happen, happen. What I want to know is how everyone deals with the irritation? My whole scalp itches quite often and I get areas (with no hair loss) that become extremely itchy and bumpy. Also does any one else have recesses in their physical scalp around loss sites; I'm talking like concave areas that are noticeably unlike the scalp shape surrounding the site?
Secondly, I'm really thinking of just going shaving my head, even though I'm seeing regrowth. Part of the reason this seems appealing to me is because of the irritation. I think it would be a relief just rubbing lotion or anti-itch cream directly on my scalp and not having to worry how it affects the look of my hair. I feel like I should weigh this decision more carefully though, because I can still hide my spots pretty effectively by wearing my hair up. On the other hand, I'm starting to see some traction loss and thinning on the front/sides of my hairline above my ears from the tight ponytails and slicked back hairstyles. Are there any of you out there with AA who regret shaving it all off or think you may have done it too soon? Are any of you sick of wearing wigs or are still finding them uncomfortable or a hassle at times? I'm excited about wig shopping, but also afraid I am setting my expectations too high.
I have so many more questions but this is already too long....Any advice is appreciated! Thanks all.
CJ
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Amp81 on
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Hi CJ,
My hair Los begN in September and in one month, I could only hide it by wearing my hair in a pony tail and putting bronzer on the front to cover the thin spots. I was seriously considering shaving my head and was worried about getting a wig. I luckily found a wig which I am very happy with, I think it looks great (and realistic) and is very comfortable. I have been wearing it for one month. I just got the official diagnosis of Alopecia this week. I still have not shaved my head but did cut my long hair to shoulder length (I did this myself as I am living in another country for. My usual hairdresser and didn't want to find/pay for a hair cut). I don't find the wig a hassle, yes of course I'd love to have my real full head of hair back but at this time that is not an option, so I am happy to have the wig which makes me feel 100 times better than I felt before. At some point I may shave my head but am still waiting to see what happens.
I just found this site and since it has been such a short time that I have been dealing with this, i can't give much advise but it is nice to have a supportive community of people who understand :)
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Permalink Reply by cjkahl on
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Yeah, this site rocks. There's not a lot of info all in one place like this online. Also, I feel your frustration. I've only been dealing with this since september, but it seems like a lot longer. So, what kind of wig did you get? Synthetic? Price? I would love a non-synthetic wig but, ouch, they are really expensive.
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Mine is synthetic, it cost about $500. I didn't get the prices on the human-hair wigs, I know they are more, but i decided since synthetic is lower maintenance and I had never worn wig before I would go for that. I was terrified to wash it the first time because I didn't't want to wreak it.
Depending on if my hair loss is a consistent/permanent thing or if it grows back, i will decide what to do next regarding synthetic vs human hair wigs.
The one positive about the wig is that I was rarely styled my hair (especially for work) and now it looks like I do my hair every day. I attached a picture what of my wig looks like. I never had short hair before either but I am happy with it.
Good luck with your decision :) - Attachments:
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Oh, wow. It looks really beautiful/natural for a synthetic! $400-$600 is what I was thinking it would take to get one I really liked and was really comfortable with wearing. And not styling my hair everyday would be amazing! Thanks for the advice!
CJ
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Permalink Reply by Nave on
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Saw your post and know exactly what you're talking about. Sometimes my scalp itches but more often it feels very sensitive (mainly on top) like someone is pulling my hair real hard. I too feel areas that feel like my scalp is sinking or pointed areas. My doctor does not give me answers so who knows?! I had all of my hair cut off this week (no shaved but about 2" all over. It actually feels better. If you come up with something that works let me know. My hair loss started with lupus. I went the shot route but it didn't work. I have scaring so hair will never grow back. My doctor explained that having one autoimmune disease can trigger another so I now have AA. Life is such an adventure!
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Life IS an adventure, isn't it. I'm sorry to hear about the lupus and scarring; seems you are having more challenges with this experience than many others do. I have not received any good advice or explanations from my doctors about the symptoms and the pattern of hair loss. I went to a dermatologist a few days after I first noticed my spots, and he did no tests, just broke out the corticosteroid injections. I did one round of those and then visited by GP for blood tests to make sure nothing else immune-related was going on. The GP tells me that the injections never work, and then said that the dermo was just trying to make money off my insurance by performing an in-office procedure. GP prescribes me minoxidil, which I hate using and am having side effects from. Now I don't know who to believe. I know there are far, far worse diseases out there, and I'm thankful that I'm in good health overall, but it seems like there is almost nothing known about underlying causes and effective treatments for AA. More medical research really is needed!
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