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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on October 21, 2009 at 2:07am

I'd follow the recommedation of Dr. Kevin McElwee ( UBC). He lays out the pros and cons. Yes, you can grow hair. No, you cannot stay on systemic corticosteroids. Yes, your hair will probably fall out again. Last paragraph especially important.

Systemic corticosteroids for alopecia areata (by. Dr. McElwee)

Although research over the last few years has yielded valuable data on the etiology and pathophysiology of the insidious form of hair loss in alopecia areata, the exact pathogenesis of the disease remains obscure, with the result that there is neither a permanent cure for alopecia areata nor a universally proven therapy for inducing remission. Early intervention is crucial, and most patients can be offered hope and support to help them cope with the months of treatment usually needed to achieve reduction in disease symptoms.

Current prevalent therapies used in the treatment of alopecia areata are predominantly immunomodulating in nature, with Corticosteroids being the most popular form of treatment for patchy alopecia areata. There is supporting evidence to substantiate the theory that alopecia areata is a T-cell mediated response, and corticosteroids are known to exert a strong inhibitory effect on the activation of T lymphocytes. Corticosteroids also reduce inflammation and pain, and can be administered in four different ways; topically as a cream or lotion, intralesional as local injections into the bald patches, and systemically either as injections into a muscle or taken orally. Each of these methods of administration varies in their potency, and also bears different rates of success and side effects.

Of these, systemic administration of steroids is the most powerful form of corticosteroid treatment, but the side effects of prolonged therapy limit their use. Systemic therapy can be carried out either by giving injections into a muscle, or more commonly, by taking it orally. These steroids generally promote a temporary re-growth of hair and subsequent relapse when the treatment is stopped.

It is important to note that there are significant problems in defining and comparing the success rate of systemic corticosteroids with other treatment routines for alopecia areata. However, short and long term hazards of systemic corticosteroid therapy are well known for their potential severity, and systemic corticosteroid treatment should be conducted only by a qualified medical practitioner experienced in the treatment of hair loss diseases, and only as a treatment of last resort because of the potentially serious side effects.

Thea
baldgirlsdolunch.org

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Permalink Reply by Sam on October 21, 2009 at 7:44pm

Thea,
Thanks so much for the info!
-Sam

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Permalink Reply by MiNAH on October 21, 2009 at 4:27am

All the drugs in the world, still don't stop it permanently.
After 39 years, nothing outstanding!
Is it really worth being ill & all the side effects.
Some of these drugs can do permanent damage to your immune system.
Also these drugs can be a problem I have "HEARD" with fertility?
IS THAT TRUE...SOME DRUGS BEING USED TODAY?
So if you are at child bearing age...I most certainly would question the effects!
Cortisone left my Body & Muscles like Jello.
Even though the muscles look hard & strong.
I'm affected now with Fibromyalgia/CFS.
Leaving me in so much Pain.
It's the Invisible Disability!

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Permalink Reply by Sam on October 21, 2009 at 9:39pm

Mina,
I'm sorry that you have to deal with the terrible side effects these drugs can cause. I really appreciate your perspective. As someone relatively new to alopecia, I forget that even if the hair grows back and stays awhile it could fall out again at anytime and then I've put my body through the bad long term effects of prednisone for nothing.

-Sam

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Permalink Reply by Amy on October 23, 2009 at 11:08pm

Pulse therapy and long term therapy are not the same. Pulse side effects are much less. That said, i tried it twice during very active loss and it did nothing for me. I also had no side effects from it.

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