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Recently found out I have AA
First of all hi to all here :)
It was recently confirmed that I have alopecia areata and although I was fairly certain I knew what it was it's a bit more real now a name has been put to it.
I am a 31-year-old male and I first noticed a spot on the top of my head totally out of the blue this was about 5 weeks ago and I didn't think too much of it as I could cover it up.
A week ago I got a haircut (number 2 on sides and trimmed on top) the hairdresser pointed out there were a few smaller patches on the back of my head and I was a little shocked when I got home and looked in the mirror and counted 8 different spots on the back of my head these are all smaller than the one on the top of my head but I was alarmed to see them spread in different places.
As my hair was a medium length before I had no idea that there were patches on the back of my head the issue is now the hair is not long enough to cover it up so obviously this was distressing as I am now very self-conscious about the patches.
I have been pretty surprised how quickly the patches came about though as my last haircut there was nothing so all these patches are within the last 5 weeks, I have also noticed my facial hair isn't as thick and looks patchy. I have zero idea as to the cause either as I have not felt stressed and not had any change in diet, sleeping pattern etc so pretty stumped why this has come up. I have suffered in the past from bad eczema but this was 3/4 years ago and not an issue I currently have and otherwise I am healthy.
I saw a doctor on the weekend who took some blood's which I am awaiting the results of and he referred me to a dermatologist in 2 weeks time so I will see what they say.
I just had a few questions in regards to how quickly other people's alopecia came on and how quickly spots appeared? I have also noticed when I wash my hair in the shower a lot of hair comes out, it's not falling out in clumps or anything but lots of strands falling out.
I know there is no cure and only possible treatments is there anything anyone would recommend to try/avoid? I know everyone will be different but trying to gain as much knowledge info as I can.
Thank You.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Swirly on
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I have two large bald spots and the rest just falls out and regrows constantly. For me when I get excessive shedding in the shower and through out the day... I'll see extremely thin spots on my head. It ends up looking like a comb over if I don't shave it.
The cause of your hair-loss will determine what can or can not be done about it. Generally, self acceptance is the best treatment. Stress reduction, healthy lifestyle, balanced eating habits are always helpful. For most it is what it is... so know that it rarely has anything to do with what you are or aren't doing.
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Permalink Reply by awooga_ on
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I keep thinking if it gets worse just shave but doesn't it still look noticeable as you will have spots with zero hair and other parts with hair? also not sure if I can pull off the totally bald look!
I can kind of cover up the bald spots to a good degree with hair fibres but if it gets worse may not get away with that.
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Just an update on this went to a derm yesterday and she said my bloods the GP asked me to do came back fine but she has told me to go and get some more bloods done for next appointment in 6 weeks.
She said as it was in various spots in was not viable to put injections into the scalp as it was more widespread
She has prescribed me prednisone to take over the course of the next 5 weeks starting at 20mg and weaning down slowly as a stop gap and as a means of trying to stop the pattern of patches and hair loss for now and she said after these bloods are done if the alopecia is still bad they will look at other possible treatments.
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