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Confused? Misdiagnosed, but not so sure about that?
Two years ago, while I was a freshmen in High School, I was diagnosed with Alopecia Alreata.
I have in the back of my head, the upper top.
Recently, I went to a medical center after my dermatologist asked me to please see him for a second opinion.
First of all, when I went to see my dermatologist he told me that It was just one circle and that other people have it a lot worse then me and I understood that. But it's still my hair, and it still makes me upset that my hair is falling out. I've been pretty nervous about it, as I went to the bathroom to check the back of my head with a mirror at least 5-10 times a day to see if more came out. And I when I would wash my hair I would run my hand through, strands coming out. So I thought something was up.
I just thought it was rude that my dermatologist had said that, especially since everyone has a different case and it effects them differently.
Ahem, anyway. As I went to the medical center as my dermatologist had recommended they checked my hair. Him and his assistant, saying it was not alopecia alreata. I was extremely, extremely confused, yet excited at the same time. But pretty confused since for the last two years I had been told I had alopecia alreata.
He said since the the part where I had no hair had a scab (I think that just recently developed, because I don't remember having that the first year and a half and I thought that was normal?) and there was kind of an indent. But I'm pretty sure that was there because when I had gotten a shot to make my hair grow back, that's when that developed. Anywho, the doctor didn't know what to do, and started me on some medicine to put on the spot.
But the doctor told me that alopecia was just smooth, no scab or indent should have been there.
He gave me derma-smooth to use for two months till I see him in February. I think it's somewhat working a little, but on top of the already bald spot I have another one is forming and I don't know what to do. I'm worried, nervous, and scared.
I asked him if I would ever lose all my hair, and he said no. I asked him if it would get worse and he said yes. I'm torn inside. I don't want to start wearing hats all the time again, and I'm worried about how this would effect me with my girlfriend, friends, and my school life. I don't know what to do.
Do you think that I've been misdiagnosed? Or I really do have something else?
Ugh, wall of text. I apologize.
I have in the back of my head, the upper top.
Recently, I went to a medical center after my dermatologist asked me to please see him for a second opinion.
First of all, when I went to see my dermatologist he told me that It was just one circle and that other people have it a lot worse then me and I understood that. But it's still my hair, and it still makes me upset that my hair is falling out. I've been pretty nervous about it, as I went to the bathroom to check the back of my head with a mirror at least 5-10 times a day to see if more came out. And I when I would wash my hair I would run my hand through, strands coming out. So I thought something was up.
I just thought it was rude that my dermatologist had said that, especially since everyone has a different case and it effects them differently.
Ahem, anyway. As I went to the medical center as my dermatologist had recommended they checked my hair. Him and his assistant, saying it was not alopecia alreata. I was extremely, extremely confused, yet excited at the same time. But pretty confused since for the last two years I had been told I had alopecia alreata.
He said since the the part where I had no hair had a scab (I think that just recently developed, because I don't remember having that the first year and a half and I thought that was normal?) and there was kind of an indent. But I'm pretty sure that was there because when I had gotten a shot to make my hair grow back, that's when that developed. Anywho, the doctor didn't know what to do, and started me on some medicine to put on the spot.
But the doctor told me that alopecia was just smooth, no scab or indent should have been there.
He gave me derma-smooth to use for two months till I see him in February. I think it's somewhat working a little, but on top of the already bald spot I have another one is forming and I don't know what to do. I'm worried, nervous, and scared.
I asked him if I would ever lose all my hair, and he said no. I asked him if it would get worse and he said yes. I'm torn inside. I don't want to start wearing hats all the time again, and I'm worried about how this would effect me with my girlfriend, friends, and my school life. I don't know what to do.
Do you think that I've been misdiagnosed? Or I really do have something else?
Ugh, wall of text. I apologize.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Seadra on
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Hi Bethany,
I'm sorry you are going through this...most of us have been in your shoes, especially with the confusing and conflicting doctors and unpredictable hair loss. What you are describing sounds exactly like alopecia areata, minus the scabbing. Is it possible you have scratched there and caused it? For your doctor to downplay AA saying others have it much worse than you is insensitive in my opinion. He/she may be right about that for the moment, but your feelings are the most important. Just something to remember, though: if you do indeed have AA, there is always a chance that all of your hair could fall out without warning. It is sucky but true, and something we must accept. Likewise, there is a possibility that all of your hair could grow back and this is the last you'll have to hear from the beast!! Let's hope for the latter :) Be well and take care, and please rely on yourself for information in addition to any docs!
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Permalink Reply by Bethany Vaughn on
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Thanks for replying, Seed.
No, I haven't really itched it. Only when I get this really bad, bad itch and I just had to scratch it. But that's only once in a blue moon, and I don't scratch hard enough to make it scab like that I believe.
And, I do understand that if I do indeed have AA that it could develop and I could lose my hair. Even though I'm really hoping for the best and that won't happen and that all of my hair will eventually grow back.
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Permalink Reply by Joy on
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Hi Bethany
Im also sorry for what you have been through and are still going through. i have been slowly losing all my hair for years with no diagnosis and it can be a rough road. i have learned that drs. dont know everything and im sorry that dr was so insensitive to you. if you need a friend im here! Joy
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Permalink Reply by Carol on
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Bethany,
I can understand your confusion and I am not a doctor however I think that you may have AA. Sometimes people who have had shots for treatment get indents where the shots took place. As for the scab, perhaps it didn't heal properly or you scratched it on something? I'm wondering if you should try for a third opinion now and go for two out of three to be sure. Did they do any blood tests to rule out other problems like iron defficiency or lupus, etc..?
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