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oral steroids for five-year-old
We just saw the dermatologist today after my daughter was diagnosed with AA two months ago Since then she has lost about 50% of her hair, and is continuing to lose. The derm said it's excessive as far as a typical case of AA might go, and rather fast. She reckons oral steroids should be started and very fast to halt loss.
The point I'm at with this is:
It may not work. It may work. But, by "work" all we can hope for is a halting of the autoimmune response that causes hair loss, for as long as the drug is taken. It is not a cure. It is a possible temporary halting.
My child is 5. Common side effects of steroid use include irritability, insomnia, psychological issues like depression or energy variances, thin and fragile skin, easy bruising, increased risk of internal infection due to decreased immune response, slowed physical growth, possibly delay in development (such as gross motor), headaches, weight gain/ redistribution (moon face), acne, diabetes, eye diseases like glaucoma, bone density loss, shakes/tremors, nausea/dizziness, reduction then loss of natural steroid function, heart disease, weight gain, acid reflux, muscle weakness/myopathy...
If I knew this would forever cure alopecia, I'd consider the risk. But knowing it won't cure alopecia, and that it might halt it temporarily, I just can't take these risks with my child.
I'm wondering if anyone has insight into why this is considered an acceptable treatment option for young children? I almost feel like I'm missing something major. Why would any prescribe this given the very serious risks, and lack of cure? And knowing as soon as the side effects get so bad that you have to stop (as they inevitably will), your alopecia will go back to its natural course, whatever that may be for you personally, while the rest of your body recovers from the systemic steroid assault?
Now I don't underestimate the possible emotional and psychological effects of alopecia at all. I realize alopecia can be devastating. But we know steroids are not a long-term solution and when I cite risks, I'm not citing one of those lists of remote possbilities of side effects. These are real and common side-effects, especially for 'long-term' use...'long-term' being only three months or more!
The point I'm at with this is:
It may not work. It may work. But, by "work" all we can hope for is a halting of the autoimmune response that causes hair loss, for as long as the drug is taken. It is not a cure. It is a possible temporary halting.
My child is 5. Common side effects of steroid use include irritability, insomnia, psychological issues like depression or energy variances, thin and fragile skin, easy bruising, increased risk of internal infection due to decreased immune response, slowed physical growth, possibly delay in development (such as gross motor), headaches, weight gain/ redistribution (moon face), acne, diabetes, eye diseases like glaucoma, bone density loss, shakes/tremors, nausea/dizziness, reduction then loss of natural steroid function, heart disease, weight gain, acid reflux, muscle weakness/myopathy...
If I knew this would forever cure alopecia, I'd consider the risk. But knowing it won't cure alopecia, and that it might halt it temporarily, I just can't take these risks with my child.
I'm wondering if anyone has insight into why this is considered an acceptable treatment option for young children? I almost feel like I'm missing something major. Why would any prescribe this given the very serious risks, and lack of cure? And knowing as soon as the side effects get so bad that you have to stop (as they inevitably will), your alopecia will go back to its natural course, whatever that may be for you personally, while the rest of your body recovers from the systemic steroid assault?
Now I don't underestimate the possible emotional and psychological effects of alopecia at all. I realize alopecia can be devastating. But we know steroids are not a long-term solution and when I cite risks, I'm not citing one of those lists of remote possbilities of side effects. These are real and common side-effects, especially for 'long-term' use...'long-term' being only three months or more!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by errantpigeon on
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Susan, perhaps you misread my post. I was not considering it.
I was questioning what I was missing about it because I cannot understand how this has become an acceptable treatment for children. I feel like I'm living in the twilight zone or looking for the eyeglasses that are sitting on my face.
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thanks for your replies. I feel less crazy now. I couldn't understand how a professional could sit and tell me to my face that my child requires oral steroids. It's nice to not be alone in my wonderings..
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This type of treatment is not normally prescribed for children because of the side effect and it's totally temporary efficacy with alopecia. I was never offered it with my daughter and she was 12. I can't really add anything. I think it's just terribly wrong that a derm would even offer this.
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Kayreyn on
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I don't believe that oral steroids are the best route of treatment for Alopecia. Nor do I believe that anyone who chooses that route for a method of treatment for themselves or their children should be criticized either. Alopecia is such a complex disease, that treatments affect people differently. If you've made your own informed decision, that's your own personal choice.
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I'd like to know more, Kayreyn, about how a parent might come to choose this treatment for a young child. I'm seeking understanding. From here, it sounds very dangerous and irrational.
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Permalink Reply by Debbie Lopas on
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My son took oral steriods about 7 or 8 months ago. He had no side effects. His dermatologist and I watched him carefully and he was his normal self. He had significant hair regrowth from it and we were thrilled. The problem was that it didn't last. After a few months, he lost all his hair again. Now he is using DCPC and we are hoping it works for him. If you do not trust your dermatologist, you should find a different one. Not all of them have experience with aa patients. I don't know of any long term solutions for aa. I wish you the best of luck.
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That your child did not have side effects is great. But it doesn't change the risks. It's like saying "I didn't wear a seatbelt and I didn't get killed in an accident I was in." Well, lucky you, but it doesn't change the fact that you were at risk, or change the likelihood of you being seriously injured in a collision.
I cannot switch dermatologists. It takes months to see one and I can't get another referral. And at this point I'm wondering what the point would be anyway? My main concern is making sure there are no other coexisting autoimmune problems, and so we will at the least have blood work done. Aside from that, there is nothing a dermatologist can do for my child except hawk unhelpful treatments that will bring us back and put money in their pockets.
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Permalink Reply by Amit on
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Hello Errantpigeon I am a father of a 2 year and 6 month old daughter. Who is suffering from Alopecia Areata It all began with a small spot and now my daughter has lost almost 85% of her hair we are very much worried and considering cortisone shots in the scalp, but she being so young we will have to give some oral sedation. The Dr says it may take 25 shots since the area is too large. The other alternative is Homeopathic treatment which we have started and Herbal treatment which we will start soon.Your daughter is too young, To me oral steroids is just not right ! you may also consider........
http://www.alopeciacure.com/
Andy
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Folks, there is no cure for alopecia nor other autoimmune disorders. Is it worth injecting your 2 year old's head with steroids? For a possible delay in the natural progression of your child's alopecia? It might be for you and that is your familiy's decision to make. Just don't be misinformed.
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