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curious and scared
I am a 45 year old hairdresser, and found out I had a bald spot when i was actually getting my own hair cut. That was in May, and since then, it has gotten larger. I also have found a few other small spots more recently. I assume i have areata, but was wondering if i can eventually loose all of the hair on my head? I am so panicked about this, as I'm sure everyone who has it is. Don't know if there is a way to tell if it isn't going to grow back, or is it just a waiting game?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by MJ on
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From my experience, it's a waiting game. Mine started that way also, with a small quarter sized spot in the back of my head noticed by the person cutting my hair. Then I started getting more spots and eventually it became totalis. I'm not saying yours will do that but I'm not sure you can do much to stop it other than maybe Xeljanz.
Good luck to you.
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Thank you for replying. I am new to this site, and not sure how it works exactly. I see that my questions have been viewed, but you are the only person that has replied. Have you heard of Hairmax laser products?
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I tried a laser comb and a laser "helmet". Couldn't tell you the names of them, but I can tell you I remember the $900 I pissed away trying them.
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Permalink Reply by hagster on
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I had my first encounter with a bald spot almost 17 years ago. It grew back and I didn't think about / have any more bald spots again until last fall when my hair started coming out on the sides & back. Within a month I had lost about 70% of my scalp hair and all my body hair. So, "eventually" finally caught up with me.
I have a brand new Hairmax in the box I'll sell you for cheap.
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I had a Hairmax years ago for thinning on my crown and had some success using it. Loaned it to a friend to try and never got it back. Found another for me at a good price and bought, but my hubby got sick about the same time and eventually passed away so was spending all that year caring for him -not me. Just never got around to using it and just found again from my move. I'm OK with my hair loss, shaving my head, wearing wigs & scarves, so ...
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The literature suggests that most areata does not progress to totalis or universalis. If you can get to a dermatologist he will be able to calm your fears a bit. For the most part people grow back their hair within a year if they only have areata.
Unfortunately I am unlucky...well sort of...I had two bouts of areata which resolved quickly-one that only I knew about it was so minor...third time unlucky...heading to totalis...But I assure you that I don't think that is the norm and try not to stress.
For many people they get a spot or two and it quickly resolves. All the best!
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It's the unknown that makes this even more difficult to deal with. My great aunt is 92, and lost all of her hair after having her last child. She has had to wear a wig ever since. Mine has gotten much worse since finding the initial spot in May. I am trying not to stress over it, but how can that even be a possibility, honestly? Always easier said than done, of course.
Thank you for your help and all the best for you also!
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Yes totally understand- I have never been so frightened as during my Alopecia experiences. The lack of control and the unknown is terrifying. I had seen a young friend at school get universalis as a kid so even before I got it I had this massive phobia... in my first two goes (where I recovered it fully) it shed for about 3 months (the worse three months) - and then my body kindof righted itself.
Have you noticed any white hairs in the spots? Generally that's good. Also if its spots (as opposed to diffuse loss)often the steroid injections are successful. Right now im totalis so in many ways the worst has happened so I'm almost over the terror of it all. I've just started Xeljanz so I'm kindof on this weird hope/acceptance stage but i know that absolute terror you must be feeling.
Best of luck and hoping for the best result and quick resolution for you...
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Permalink Reply by leah on
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Hello I'd suggest seeing your regular practitioner and getting an experts diagnosis. Sometime is another issue, like Thyroid and other things like side effect from medicine can cause hair loss. Think good to see professional. They may refer you to a dermatologist, who may give you cortisone injections, etc. Some people I know and for myself for a while, they can help re-grow hair for some. I know scary and I was stylist too. Mine turned into more spots and other loss, but everyone is different. Know you are not alone and there is support and experts. Thinking good thoughts for you!
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i have seen my regular doctor, who is also a personal friend. mine has already turned in to more spots, and the original one found has gotten tremendously larger. Do you remember the cost of the injections? I don't have health insurance, but am curious about the cost.
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Hi Angie, I understand that's good. Did your friend/dr run any test to or give diagnosis? / Rule out others things hair loss could related to? My deductible is really high and insurance not good, they said cosmetic so had pay all out of pocket. Think injections were about $200 + $175 for dermatologist visit. Part cost more because she's in a hospital and they charge a fee too! :/ some if say don't have insurance and pay cash give a discount. And I heard of reg dr sometimes doing injections and I'd call around and compare rates too. Please let me know if have any other questions. Best
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