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Prognosis same for AU as AA?
I keep hearing that if you get AA late in life (like I did at age 39) there is a really high chance it will grow back.
But what about if the AA rapidly turns into AU within one year? Do the chances of complete hair restoration then decrease if you're AU? I know alopecia is unpredictable, but was just curious about my chances, now that I"ve lost hair everywhere, not just my scalp.
Thanks!
But what about if the AA rapidly turns into AU within one year? Do the chances of complete hair restoration then decrease if you're AU? I know alopecia is unpredictable, but was just curious about my chances, now that I"ve lost hair everywhere, not just my scalp.
Thanks!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mary on
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Great question, Aimee. I haven't heard anything about there being more of a chance of regrowth if the AA starts later in life. Since I first started with my AA at age 47, I sure hope it's true! As you know, my AA turned rapidly to AU after about 7 years of being just mild AA.
The only thing I've ever heard, and I'm not sure where I heard this or whether it's true, is that if the AA first appears later in life as opposed to childhood, there is less liklihood of developing another auto-immune disease.
Maybe someone else has can answer your question, or has a doctor who can.
Mary
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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on
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Hi
From the research I have done the consensus seems to be that if you get alopecia before thirty your prognosis can be poor with regards to total regrowth. But like anything this is not written in stone. The statistics are very poor with regards to Alopecia so you can get quite varied opinion on this.
This is my understanding of indicators for a poor prognosis with regards to total remission.
* if you get alopecia before the age of thirty
* if you have over 50% hairloss
* if you have a family history of autoimmune conditions (eczema, asthma, hayfever, thyroid conditions, alopecia etc)
In my case with my daughter we have all of these indicators. My daughter has had three bouts of regrowth in the last six years, while having AU, AT and AA inbetween times. Because of the continual regrowth and loss we do our best not to focus on it all - sometimes easier said than done. I understand the want to know what will happen, but sadly nobody has the answers we would all like to hear.
I hope this helps.
Rosy
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Permalink Reply by Jeff W on
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Hi Aimee,
The non-scientific research I've done suggests that your chances of full recovery from AU aren't particularly good at any age, but there are plenty of cases where full recovery has occurred, so never lose hope! I can tell you that I had a dermatologist tell me that my chances of spontaneous recovery weren't good when I had lost 30-40% of my hair - and 6 months later virtually all of my spots are partially or fully recovered. I also had a teacher in high school who suddenly developed AU. After many years his hair just came back.The really good news is that no matter what happens you will still be the same beautiful you! Hang in there!
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Encouraging words for me, Susan. However - and I don't know why this is - I really don't feel my hair is going to regrow. Maybe it's a defense mechanism, but my state of mind is just that this is permanent. I think I'm trying subconsciously NOT to hope. Is that weird?
Mary
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Krahn on
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I am AU and it has happened in a total of 8 months or less. I am hoping this may stop...but not optimistic about it. Having done reading it seems that we have less chance of returning hair. In a way, it feels good to understand the permanancy of the situation and learn to move on and adapt. In another...sad. but I have to say this is by no means a dibilitating disease. I am still planning on running marathons, working out, going out and playing volleyball. It's about attitude and "Ithink I can". We are all beautiful people in the end...streamlined and gorgeous.
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Yes, Jenn! We have to do all we can to enjoy life and not let this lack of hair get in the way. As I've posted in a blog, scuba diving was much nicer with a bald head!
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Permalink Reply by Lee on
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Thats exactly what happened to me. I had had AA so many times, and my hair returned...I had no idea ( well, I knew it COULD happen) that Ide be AU. I guess it really depends on the person. Seems like evceryone here has a different story. It seems*** that people who do develope AU have a smaller chance of their hair growing back, and staying for good. Its a TOUGH pill to swallow, I know. Im in the same boat. But once you get in that mindset, I think you will be more at ease. You seem to handle it really well, and you will be fine. I was a complete mess when I started on this site.
I still think there will be a cure within our lifetime though. We may be 90 yrs old, and not care ; )
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Permalink Reply by kastababy on
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Hi Aimee,
I wish I could give you some definitive answer regarding chances of remission/dormancy in regards to AA, AT, or AU. Like Rosy's daughter, I happen to fall under all of the categories which make remission very unlikely from a statistical standpoint. Over the last year, for some strange reason, I've managed to regress in terms of acceptance (but I owe it all to the one I happen to live with; he doesn't even qualify as a boyfriend anymore.) I am rediscovering the acceptance that I try to give to everyone else here in my AW family -- it's the same acceptance for myself and my gradual progression to AU as well that pushes me to tell you never to give up hope!
Prime example: I became AA at age 4, was AT by age 6 -- and remained that way until I was 13 years old and entered high school. I had full regrowth throughout high school, and didn't become AT again until age 18. Had full regrowth again by age 20, but became AT again at age 24 after my father died -- and became AU (with the exception of my eyelashes for some strange reason) at age 28. I'll be 31 in November.
My approach to hair at this point is simple: If it grows back, it's a pleasant surprise, and I'll enjoy it while it lasts; however, because I have come to adore my no-maintenance style, I think I'd rather do without it!
I hope that helps you. Have a great weekend!
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Permalink Reply by Joshua on
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Hi Aimee,
The simple answer is still unpredictable as you have mentioned earlier and reinforced again by all the personal experiences and stories. I believe that there is still a "mountain to be excavated" before a scientific finding on the prognosis of alopecia areata can be concluded. Stastistically, I believe a retrospective studies on all alopecia areata patients, the more subjects (people) the better will provide some useful insight. (A representative sample of all ages, gender, diet, work, culture...etc will improve statistical signicance.)
However statistical significance is never conclusive. Most people use statistics like a drunk on the lampost, more for support than enlightment. Immunology itself is a huge topic, and what more about auto-immune diseases. I dont see that we will find out the answer for the next 50 years or so.
From scientific point of view, I will not give any conclusion to the prognosis but from a retrospective studies on alopecia patient point of view, I agree with everyone that has replied earlier (But the question it is statistical significance? Representative sample?...etc)
JT
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