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Stress, trauma and AU
Hello all!
I have a question about alopecia universalis and the circumstances around how people get it, but first, my story. It's long, but I hope someone would still read :)
It's been about 15 months since I started losing hair at the back of my head when I was 21, which had been the sudden start to quick loss of all hair on my body, a process that completed about 9 months ago, my eyelashes going last. Since then I've had peach fuzz return almost everywhere to different extents, some normal eyelashes, eyebrow and facial hair, and full nose hair (lucky me), but otherwise not much.
When I went to get it looked at, most dermatologists I saw didn't really seem to know what they were talking about, but they did all suggest that recent life changes could have been a cause. At the time hair loss began, I had just fully recovered after jaw surgery a few months earlier, and I was a month in from beginning a prescription of Lexapro. Doctors also prescribed various creams and pills, but I resisted all of them so far, as I have an aunt who developed alopecia totalis around the same age as me (not biologically related), and the topical medication she used fried her hair follicles, making her permanently bald (by her own account).
Now that it's summer and I am unemployed after a stressful year as a teacher, I decided to begin seeking treatment options again.
My recent online research seems to indicate that AU is typically a result of a genetic pre-disposition and without any certainty of recovery, but I could swear when I first looked it up that some resources said it could be a product of extreme trauma to the body, which I'd say my jaw surgery certainly was. Comments about body trauma also tended to say that full recovery typically takes place within 1 to 2 years for most cases. At this point, however, I can't find any evidence that these medical opinions existed.
Thus, my question: does anyone know if AU could be a product of environmental trauma, opposed to being a produce of a genetic precondition? If so, have they heard of typical recovery times, if any, or of any treatments that work best for it?
I am assuming, based on most AU alopecians developing AU in elementary school, that a biological predisposition would have emerged sooner in my life, but perhaps this is a mistaken assumption of mine. Anyhow, any advice, experiences or knowledge would be greatly appreciated!
Michael
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Debbie on
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In 2011 my brother was deathly ill, this is when I noticed the 1st bald spot. So I do believe that stress is what started my Alopecia, but now my brother is healthy, I am not under great stress and my hair still hasn't grown back. Not sure if this helps. Good luck to you.
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I also had jaw surgery, but didn't start losing hair until 13 months after surgery. I didn't think my hair loss was connected to the surgery until you mentioned it. I am currently taking care of my helpless mother, she needs round the clock care, and even though I have help, it is a very stressful situation for me. My father doesn't want to put her into a long-term care facility (we didn't expect her to live past Christmas) so it's an ongoing issue. She became bedridden in Sept, and I noticed hair loss in Feb. Went to a dermatologist, but didn't respond to treatment, so I discontinued treatment at this time. Have lost ninety percent of my hair, still have eyebrows and lashes, hope to keep those! I started wearing a wig, just getting used to it, but I do receive complements when I wear it, so that feels good. I go through 'hair envy' with my friends, but am trying to accept what I cannot change and have a positive attitude. I'm so thankful for AW, it helps to not feel so alone. Blessings to you....
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Permalink Reply by michelle on
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I have AU. Started losing hair on my head about 21/2 years ago and lost all body hair at the 2 year point. I am 51. AU is an autoimmune disease. There is NO cause and there currently is NO cure. Stress does NOT cause AU but AU is pretty stressful. There are a number of treatments for AU. The success rate differs for different people. Nothing has worked for me. I'm at a point where my goal is living with this disease.
There are a number of other health issues that cause hair loss. Make sure you have a family doctor that you trust. I would also suggest getting a referral to a dermatologist. Good luck.
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I feel that trauma and long term stress absolutely caused my AU. I am 53 and had never experienced any signs of alopecia until my husband of nearly 30 years became very ill and committed suicide. I came home and found him. After the initial trauma, I faced a lot of stress in trying to manage a large farming operation and excavating business by myself. I had never been involved in decision making for either. I first noticed hair loss about 4 months later and lost all of my hair within about 1 and 1/2 years.
I was able to regrow my hair using Cyclosporine taken orally two different times, but had to stop both times because it was effecting my kidneys. What a disappointment.
After trying many other things that did not work, I am beginning a new treatment. I read about Angela Christiano's research and decided to try Orencia infusions. I have only had 3 and have not had any results yet. This was not approved by my insurance and I did not qualify for financial help from the manufacturer, so I am paying out of pocket...$1804.00 per infusion. I really hope this works!!! I refuse to give up hope.
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