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New AA with itchy scalp
Hey all...I am brand new to all of this! My daughter (9 yrs) was diagnosed with AA last week and I am trying to learn everything that I can to support her the best I can! Her ped told me that this was most likely a one time thing but that goes against everything that I have read so far. From what I can see it is totally unpredictable! Right now she has one small patch on the top of her head that seems to be growing but she has some spots that are really itchy. Is this a sign that she may lose the hair there as well? Any and all info that you can share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Stacie on
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A dermatologist would probably be the best bet in terms of further diagnosis and treatment. Ask your pediatrician for a referral (unless you have a PPO, in which case, you can find a dermatologist on your own and make an appointment without a referral). Tell the pediatrician about the itchy spots and that she needs a dermatologist as soon as possible since the itchy spots could lead her to scratching and getting bacteria in, which could lead to infection (the pediatrician should have at least a temporary solution for the itchiness while you get to the dermatologist).
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Thank you!
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Everyone is different so I don't mean to imply that her situation will be the same as mine, but I get itchy in the areas that are about to fall out, sometimes it burns and radiates heat. For me I found tea tree oil soothes it and an icepack helps with the heat, but neither do anything to stop the hair from falling out. It just makes me more comfortable.
Did the doctor prescribe any treatment for her? How is she coping with it emotionally?
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The doc didn't really help at all. Told us it was most likely a one time thing. That gave her a false sense of hope. I was honest with her and told her that probably wasn't the case. Overall she is doing alright. It hasn't really phased her. I am hoping the more open and accepting we are, the more open and accepting she will be as well. How long have you had A A? Is it something that you have dealt with for a long time? Anything that has made it easier?
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I developed it about 5 years ago at the age of 34, a spot on the back of my hair fell out and never grew back. I didn't stress about it because it was easy to wear a ponytail and not see a problem. Then in fall of 2016 two huge stripes on the side of my head appeared and I couldn't hide it anymore.
Doctors were also in my case unhelpful, and steroid shots aren't an option for me. I worry about what the side effects of those shots would do to the developing hormones of a 9 year old... maybe it's ok but definitely worth looking into. It is possible that your daughter will grow back those spots and never have a problem again, but nothing is worse than false hope and being unprepared.
One thing that has made it easier is this community. When I need some courage for facing alopecia, I watch Jannica Olin, Cysterwigs, or Abby Andrew on Youtube. Abby is a lovely young lady who lost her hair at a young age, here's her story of having alopecia in elementary school:
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Thank you so much for being so helpful and for all of the information! From what I have read the treatments *especially for children* can do more harm than good. So, right now that isn't even on our radar. We went today and got my daughter a few thick, soft headbands...she has always been one to dance to the beat of her own drum...has always had her own style...so for her, new headbands were a total score! I made sure to tell her that if it doesn't bother her, it doesn't bother me! I don't want her to be embarrassed about it...God makes each of us unique! I do want her to be informed however, so that if someone asks about it or mentions it she can give them the correct answer! Thank you, again! You have been so helpful!
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That's the best way you can support her, you're a great Mom.
Honestly even though my hair came out rapidly and recently, it's the support of my family that keeps me strong. I feel confident, I don't fear going out, and I know I'm gorgeous because my family keeps telling me so. It's the acceptance of family that will keep her holding her head high.
Good job!
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<3 Your family is right...you are beautiful! Thank you so much for your encouragement! <3
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