Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kiki73 on November 28, 2012 at 11:30pm

My 7 year old son was diagnosed last week with AA. It started with a dime-size circle at the crown in August. By October, he was losing it at the front hairline. We thought it was anti-depressants he was taking to treat some of his behaviours related to autism. The pharmacist told us there is a very rare chance of hair loss being a side effect, so we took him off the meds. The hair continued to fall out. The dermatologist told us that wasn't the cause, but only coincidence that it happened soon after he started the medication. It has now spread to the top centre of his scalp. He probably has lost 1/5 to 1/6 of his hair.

I have been in contact with his teacher and the school principal. I asked if it was okay for him to wear a cap, to which the principal okayed. The first day, he went down to the grade 2 classroom and said everyone could wear their toque that day. The next school day, my son wore his cap, and no one said anything.

As a teacher myself, I think it is best to be casual and honest. Sometimes, children are scared of 'different' and will respond in unkindness. Children are also curious, and sometimes knowledge makes it easier for them to accept 'difference'. I have calmly told his older sister and him that if anyone asks to tell them what it is and that it will grow back (at this time, we are staying hopeful).

Looking back, I remember a classmate in my grade 4 class who had very little hair and thick, pitted nails. Now, I think it would have been better for us to have been told what the cause of it was.

Hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 30, 2012 at 8:34pm

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it.

Permalink Reply by Wind on November 29, 2012 at 8:29am

Hi, Jennifer,

My heart goes to you and your daughter. I guess the best thing you could do is to be optimistic. I have heard so many cases that people with AA were eventually recovered – their hair grew back fully. So don’t be stressed out at this point. Eating healthy would also help – maybe you are already doing this. Also if you are interested, you could try a Chinese doctor, some Chinese treatment (i.e. acupuncture and herbal medicine) might help your daughter’s situation especially at this early stage.
As for the school, I would say it depends how your daughter feels about it. My son did not want me to talk to the class about his situation. I only privately talked to my son’s teacher and asked her to keep an eye on him. He wears a cap to school every day, but his friends all know about his situation. We are very lucky that he is doing well at school and very grateful that his friends are all very nice to him.

All the best!

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 30, 2012 at 8:35pm

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it.

Permalink Reply by cindy Babs on November 29, 2012 at 10:20am

Hi Jennifer. I wouldn't b worrying too much about ur daughter yet. There's nothing typical or predictable with alopecia. It rarely (<.01%)progresses to its most severe (universalis/ loss of all hair)form. Chances are she has a mild form and she will have regrowth. She will forever have a predisposition to getting spots and possibly progressing. No one can tell you if it will or won't. Alopecia arreata has no cure. My daughter has AU now for 3 years. It's been a journey but life is good. Try not to worry. Truly. Chances r good that ur daughter will have regrowth. Take care :)

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on November 30, 2012 at 8:35pm

Thank you for your reply as well.

Permalink Reply by Jen on December 5, 2012 at 8:55pm

My son as Alopecia Universalis and was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. It might make you feel better to know that all his hair fell out at once instead of in the circles your daughter is experiencing. My dad had AA too and his fell out in circles which eventually grew back and that was 30 years ago...the issue didn't return.
I did talk to my son's teacher because he is totally bald and I wanted to bring it up to the children. She incorporated a story (he's only 4) about a bald king which I thought was so cute. She did a whole week on diversity and differences. Knock on wood...it seems to be going well. (He's in a mixed class with older kids so I was worried a little at first.)

I hope your daughter's AA resolves soon. I know it can be a tough road sometimes but I think like the other post said...be hopeful and optimistic. It often goes away just as quickly as it appeared. :)

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on December 6, 2012 at 9:54pm

Thank you so much for your reply. All the support from this group really helps.