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Permalink Reply by Alo-mom on November 1, 2017 at 11:17pm

I know you are looking for answers. We have all been there, either for ourselves or those we love. AA is an autoimmune condition and colonics are not going to do anything. Let me share with you how we supported our 21 year old daughter as she lost all of her hair in 4 months while attending college. I opened my ears to what she wanted. She wanted to look like herself and that told me I needed to learn the most I could about wigs. It to me had to be a human hair wig, with a cap that was best for those with medical hair loss. I had to learn about what a all hand tied wig vs wefts. I had to learn how to care for wigs. I had to research what materials would help her scalp feel good while wearing a wig. I learned it all. So many people know so little about this prosthetic (wig).

The suggestion of your aunt will not work and I highly recommend against it.  Please do not even try this. This is what you need to do. First find those that can support you and be open to helping you anyway they can. You did not lose your hair to swimming. You need to get your blood tested to see if you have any other issues that has  effected your hair loss. You need to contact the National Alopecia Areata Foundation in California. They are a great organization and a great resource for learning about the condition and what is being done for those with it. I am here to help in anyway I can. I can guide you on what you would need for a wig. My daughter has found an amazing career, an amazing boyfriend and you must be of the mindset that this will not ruin your life. Friend me if you like and I would be glad to assist in anyway I can. 

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Permalink Reply by Pamplemousse on November 5, 2017 at 2:19am

Hey! I'm 27 and have had alopecia areata since I was 10...but it was never as severe as the current episode that began about 8 months ago.

For the last 17 years, the alopecia has manifested as small to large patches, sometimes very difficult to hide. For much of this time, I used cortisone injections to treat the areas and they were very effective. Any dermatologist should know that this is the most effective treatment. From my own experience, I would not recommend the topical irritants sometimes prescribed, and I would definitely recommend against oral steroids. They can mess up the body over time and I had no growth. I would NOT take any random oral medicines prescribed by a surgeon who is not a specialist. Coming from someone who has had this for 17 years and has been to literally over 50 doctors for this: go to a good, supportive dermatologist ASAP!

I think outside triggers like chlorine can contribute to alopecia but I'm a firm believer that it's 99% stress/anxiety. So...self-care first; exercise is my go-to as well. Keep swimming!! DO NOT get hair restoration, it will just fall out. Alopecia areata is caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles...it shifts around a lot and any restored hair will fall out if that's the targeted area.

My most recent episode of alopecia has resulted in losing about 80% of my hair over the course of 6 months; at this point, cortisone injections stopped working and I have very recently switched to wigs, headscarves and shaving my head. It's super liberating and I would recommend it to anyone suffering from more extreme hair loss. My primary wig looks 1000x better than my normal hair at its best, and it's so freeing to stop worrying about the alopecia. I know this is hard and you probably aren't anywhere near there, but know that it's an option for the future!

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