Has anyone else been here?
It's 1am and no signs of sleep.
My little girl is 5. a few weeks ago, we noticed a bald spot, and thought her baby brother had actually really yanked on her hair this time. As time passed the spot didn't seem to grow in at all.
Then, a few days ago, we noticed another bigger patch, and thought it odd.
This evening, I noticed a few visible patches and decided to look when my daughter was sleeping.
I was astounded.
She has at least a dozen patches larger than a quarter over her scalp. The hair around is very easy to pull out.
I also found out my aunt had alopecia.
Upon quick Internet search it is very apparent that she has alopecia areata. It seems to be moving along very quickly.
I am so sad and scared for her. Part of me tries to remember that she will always be a special person and all that...just as her mom I am grieving that she is going to have to live through this. Sure she may become a stronger person and flourish and blah blah blah, but can someone please tell me they understand? I am grieving for her. I almost feel like I need permission to be sad for right now before I can pick up and be strong and move forward with her. I know she is not her hair. I know she will always be beautiful. I know all that. But I just realized this a few hours ago and I'm sad. I am dreading talking about this with her. How am I going to get hold of myself? She is going to notice very soon and I have to get it together so I can be honest and positive with her.
Aside from all that, I'm feeling so overwhelmed with the medical implications...the associations or correlations with other illnesses as well as the overwhelming issue of what kind of treatment, if any.