I've had AA since I was 21/2 have lost my hair completly twice when I was very young and have experienced how very cruel children can be in that situation. Fortunatly when my hair grew mostly back after those young years where I am bald can mostly be covered at the back of my head. I'm in my early 40s now and have tried many treatments over the years but about a year ago my bald patches started growing out of control (during relationship issues and high stress) I decided I would have to either get a wig, wear hats all the time or check out what the latest treatments are, I decided on the later and got my GP to refer me to a Dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. 1st treatment was Prednisolone 25mg 2 each morning for 2 weeks then gradually reducing that amount over 10 weeks untill I was only taking 1/2 every 2 days and Now 11 weeks later I'm off the Prednisolone. After about 3 weeks hair was growing in all my bald spots and is now consistently about 1 1/2 inches long at the highest dosage I had a bit of trouble sleeping and my face has filled out a lttle but all pretty much back to normal now. At the 10 week mark I went back to my Dermatologist and we decided that I go on Sulfasalizine 500 mg 1 twice daily then 2 twice daily after a month this is to continue the good work done by the Prednisolone as you can't stay on Prednisolone for too long. So far not really any side affects to speak of and my hair is thickening by the day! Very happy :-)
I also had blood tests to find that my Vitamin D and Zinc levels are a little low, I am now also taking 2x 1000iu vit D as well as Zinc tabs. Oh and I also have Hashimodos Thyroiditis and take Orioxine for that and my levels are now fine. Will keep you all posted of how it's going.