Shots?

I found out on June 9, 2016 that I had alopecia.  I had felt some odd feelings on my scalp, but attributed the "oily" feeling to using an all natural shampoo.  I woke up on the 9th and realized that I had two large bald spots along my hairline.  I looked like I had a mullet.  Devastate, my dr dx me with alopecia areata.  The hair grew back on it's own in around 5 months, then I found another spot, it grew back, then I found another spot and went to the dermatologist.  She gave me 15 injections.  I left and went back in 6 weeks and got 3 more.  Everything was great for about 5 months and now it's back.  I have two spots that I know of.  I just don't know if I want to continue this cycle of injections.  Anyone else feel this way?  I kinda feel like I will take this as it comes and keep my wig supply updated.  How have you decided to manage this disease?

Thanks for your input!

Chris

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Permalink Reply by hagster on September 28, 2017 at 10:48pm
I am one of the exceptions around here because I accept that I lost ALL my hair last year and like you're thinking about, just dealing with things as they come. I lost about 70-80% of my scalp hair in just a couple of weeks, so shaved my head on New Years Eve. Have only shaved once since then (last month) as I just get a very light and sparse stubble. I am in my late 60s and decided this was the easiest way to manage headcoverings - no bald look for me.

I have a bunch of fun wigs in different colors and styles, and have worked out a method to keep them securely on. But, they are really hot and itchy in the Summer and make my scalp break out with something like pimples. So, unless I need to go to or do something special, my headcovering of choice is a scarf. I figured out how to make them look fuller on top, that I like ones of Cotton Voile (which need a liner), and how to tie them in a Bohemian style - which suits my style and personality.

I wear my scarves proudly and don't really give them a thought and I get compliments on them all the time. The opposite would probably be true if I were self conscious about wearing them and sent out that vibe. I usually take the opportunity to try to educate on AA when I get a comment. I have even had chemo patients ask me about my scarves.

I have AU and have also had to learn to adjust my makeup for no eyelashes, adjust my allergy meds because of no nose hair, and keep my ears clean & dry because if no cilia hairs - which are very important for hearing. It probably helps that my scarves go over my ears.

AU has been easy compared to the Vitilago and Granuloma that I have to deal with. Luckily the Granuloma went into remission about 5 months before the AU hit, so I could concentrate on the malady of the day - so to speak. The Vitilago just is and has not progressed, so I'm OK with it also.

Now for the thing that really sets me apart: I am not my hair and don't care if I get it back or not. My derm has offered 'solutions' like shots, minoxodil, Xeljanz, squaric acid treatments. But I have decided not to do any of them - and my Derm agrees.

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