Utah Alopecians

This is a group for Utahan's with alopecia.
  • Kathy

    Carmen,
    Thank you for starting up this group! The only other Utah Alopcian I know is Shannon Cox. I look forward to getting to know you and others who live in Utah.

    Thanks!
    Kathy
  • Jenn

    Hi, Kathy, I know Shannon too. Carmen, thanks for starting a Utahan representation. Looking forward to getting to know you all.

    Bald Girls Rock,
    Jenn
  • Shannon

    hello my utah friends! that is great that you started this group, carmen!
  • Jenn

    I would love to participate in whatever is going on that day. Keep us posted.
  • Kathy

    How about Foothill? I am so excited to be part of the BaldGirlsDoLunch. I would be happy to help in any way, just let me know.
  • Shannon

    you know i will be there!
  • KIM - Jessica's Mom

    My daughter is only 8 but I would LOVE for her to meet some BaldGirls! Is it an adult only thing? If so, I'd love to host a BaldKids day here in Utah! So please pass me on to anyone kids here in Utah that you know of.
  • Debby Shill

    Hello, My name is Debby, I live in Salt Lake (Cottonwood Hts). Over the summer,I noticed my hair didn't look right in the back and in August I mentioned it to my hair dresser and he showed me why. I about fell over! I had no idea! I had a bald spot the size of a fifty cent piece just above the bottom hair line on the back of my head. Now, I think it's about 2" in diameter. I have been to a dermatolgist twice and have had several injections in the bald spot both times. I feel that I am still losing hair and that more spots may be starting. I am starting to panic just a bit. I am beginning to feel that before too long I will have very little if any hair on the back of my head. I don't know what to do. I would appreciate any suggestions for wigs/hairpieces for the short-term, treatments for the long-term.
    Thanks
    Debby
  • Shannon

    Hi Debby,

    When I had patches that I needed to cover I would use human hair clip-ins. You can often find these at a beauty supply store. Long term treatments? I don't have any that I could recommend.

    I live in Riverdale and would be happy to talk to you any time. You can leave messages here or can e-mail me at shannon @ darkpenguin . com
  • Debby Shill

    Thanks Shannon. I appreciate the tip. Are there doctors other than dermatologist that specialize or treat alopecia? I have been to the dermatologist but my daughter thinks I should see an internist. I'm not sure that I want to be running to different doctors just to be told that they don't know.

    Thanks again

    Debby
  • Shannon

    I think an internist could be valuable to make sure that you don't have any other auto-immune issues going on. Auto-immune diseases tend to run in packs. One common problem that those of us with alopecia have is thyroid disease. Also, some feel that their alopecia is affected by their hormones. An internist could do a work up to rule out any other problems that might affect your hair loss. But for the alopecia itself, a dermatologist is the one that would treat it. That is, as far as western medicine is concerned. I do a lot of alternative medicine now and have found a lot of relief for my other auto-immune concerns (especially my colitis) but, as you can see, my hair has not regrown.
    Shannon
  • Sara

    Hi there... I will be moving back to the Salt Lake area in about two weeks (I am very excited!) I have been very involved with NAAF and the local support group (when Utah had one).
    Would love to get to know more alopecians in Utah (as of right now, just me and my dad :)
  • Lisa F and Chloe

    My daughter Chloe, age 8, was just recently diagnosed with AA. I just found AW and have been amazed by the love and concern everyone has for each other. I look forward to getting to know others in Utah that have AA. I will share your stories my daughter, and am sure it will give her a boost of confidence.
  • Amber

    Hey guys! I'm currently living in the Logan area. I just found alopecia world not to long ago and have just started learning my way around it. I was so excited to look at the groups and find one for Utah. I look forward to hopefully making some new friends :)
  • Cynthia Smith

    Hi all, I'm the Salt Lake valley myself. It is good to know there are other people with alopecia here in Utah too. I started loosing my hair at the beginning of this year and have lost a good third of my hair already. Who knows where this journey will end.
  • Amy

    Hi everyone! I live in Utah county. I have been suffering from chronic TE and can't seem to get a definitive diagnosis from a doctor. I have diffuse loss all over but more prominent on the back of my head and one side. Does anyone have a good doctor that they would recommend? One that diagnoses first then treats. I'm getting tired of being told to use rogaine :)I don't mind traveling. Its getting so thin that I feel like getting a wig will be coming soon. I am so impressed with everyone's positive attitudes and strength. I hope to get some of my own. Thanks for your help!
  • Lisa F and Chloe

    Chloe is seeing a pediatric dermatologist at Primary Childrens. We were referred by: Dr. Ivan Flint - Dermatologist - 1250 E 3900 S
    He is the one that first diagnosed Chloe with Alopecia.
    The pediatric dermo. also told us to use rogaine. I was furious and didn't like that at all. After a little research of my own and suggestions from mothers on CAP I asked the Dr. about squaric acid and anthralin. Within weeks of using anthralin Chloe had hair growth. I can't say 100% that it was the medicine that worked or just the crazy alopecia cycle. I do think it is worth asking about. I hope you are able to find a doctor that you are comfortable with.
  • Amy

    I have a neighbor who's daughter has AA and has loved the dr's up at primary's! I wish I had as much luck with adult doctors. The last dr I went to told me to go on propecia which is for men with MPB without ever doing a scalp biopsy. My sister had some spots of AA a couple of years ago, and I know it can be hereditary. I almost wish that my hair loss wasn't diffuse but a spot. I actually used the rogaine initially but it irritated my scalp so badly that it caused psoriasis, and contact dermatitus on my scalp. I am now going through the major sheds from getting off of it. This is why I am wary of trying another med. It could just speed up the hair loss. What a fun ride. oh well life goes on right? :) Thanks for your suggestions!!
  • Lisa F and Chloe

    The anthralin was very strong and irritated Chloes head. She looked like her scalp had been burned. The skin itched then peeled. She had to work up a tolerance to it. I can't imagine how it would affect you if even rogaine was irritating. I cant blame you for being leary about another med. And yes, life goes on, stay strong!
  • Teri C

    I am from Utah, just found this group and wanted to share. I found a Dr Gerald Krueger with the University of Utah Dermatology. He seemed to know what he was talking about. He has done work with the NAAF. I was on Immune suppressents which was working for awhile but unfortunatly am in the 30% that treatment doesn't seem to work. My hair started falling out again, So I quit the treatment it wasn't worth the risk to me. If anyone wants more info I'll be glad to share. The Dr. is very hard to get into quickly though. Also wondering if there is a support group in the Salt Lake area?
  • Amy

    Nice to meet you Teri! My parents have a cabin in Woodland and we go to the Kamas Demolition Derby every 24th of July :) Would you recommend Dr. Kruegar? Was he thorough? I'm getting pretty discouraged with the whole Dr thing. I know that you can't believe all that you read on the internet, but I feel that some dr's are threatened by patients who try to educate themselves and ask questions. I appreciate the help!
  • Cynthia Smith

    I went to Dr. Krueger for a second opinion. Glad I went, he helped me understand alopecia better and my options. My primary dermatologist is Dr. Panko at Taylorsville Clinic. She's sweet. Neither seem to mind questions. We've come up with new ones for them each time I went.
  • Amy

    I will have to make an appt with him. Thanks Cynthia. I read your info and I love to read and stitch myself! I love to go to pineneedles in Gardener Village, That store is danger for me :) I find that i am reading and stitching a lot to escape focusing on my hair loss.Once the weather stays nicer I will be out in my garden venting.There are so many brave women here. I appreciate all of your suggestions. Thanks!
  • Teri C

    Yes i do recommend Dr. Krueger. He gave me several options. You have to have the 1st appointment with him at the U and he is a couple of months out. I live in Woodland and work in Kamas.
  • Amy

    Well, I might as well make the appt now if I have to wait a little while! Thanks. My parents cabin is in the Bar x ranch group. It is so beautiful there! You are so lucky. I can't believe how much snow was still there, and coming down just a few weeks ago. Thanks for the help!
  • Debby Shill

    Hey everyone, just reading through some of your comments. I have AA, my hairdresser and I discovered my first patch of missing hair about a year and a half ago. It is pretty much all gone now. I also lost the eye lashes one eye lid. I work at the U and have been to Dr. Krueger. Only the first appointment takes a while to get in, once you are established as a patient you can get in much faster. He is said to be an expert although he really could not help me. I have had many many steroid injections but they did nothing to stop the hair loss. I have not heard of squaric acid and anthralin. Is this something new?
  • Lisa F and Chloe

    I don't know if squaric acid and anthralin are new. I Googled both and found the recommended use is for those suffering from AA. It seems the anthralin is a little easier to find in Utah. It is time consuming but not as invasive or painful as the injections seem to be. The only side effect we saw was a red tender head that itched when she got hot. Both were tolerable for the then 8 year old. I'm sure it isn't for everyone but it may be worth asking about.
  • Sara

    Hello... Is anyone else (besides myself) from Utah going to the NAAF conference in June?
  • Amber

    I won't be able to make it to the NAAF conference this time. I've never been able to go but I plan to someday. I think it would be great!! Good luck. Travel safe :)
  • Amy

    I know that in the next couple of months I am going to need to get a wig. I am gearing up for this and was wondering if any of you have an wig shops you would recommend. It looks like many people order online but that makes me nervous and I don't want to waste my money... so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!!! :)
  • Cynthia Smith

    I went to Lynn's wig shop down in American Fork. Hope this helps!
  • Amy

    Thanks! I will have to look there. Were they nice and did they have a good selection? Thanks for the input :)
  • Teri C

    I go to Headcovers on 3300 south in Salt Lake. Joni and Janet are great!!. Joni cuts wigs also and does custom wigs. I will pick my first custom up tomorrow.. so excited!
  • Cynthia Smith

    Lynn was very nice and gave us all the time we needed. A nice selection too.
  • Amy

    Thanks for the recommendations. I hope your wig turns out great! Just a quick question, if any of you work out, what do you do then? Just wear hats or scarves? One girl said she wears a wig working out. I am such a sweater that i don't think that will work for me...Just thought I would ask. Thanks!
  • Teri C

    I do work out alot. I went to the perl izumi outlet and they have hats that are tight with elastic in the back and no hole. that is what I wear. You can tell i don't have hair but it keeps the sweat out of my eyes and doesn't move!
  • Em

    I go to Headcovers by Joni, too! She's absolutely amazing.
  • Em

    I work out in a scarf... I don't think I could ever do that in a wig. Too much hassle!
  • Colene Anderson

    its great reading everyones comments! My daughter 5 years old has alopecia universalis and was diagnosed when she was 3. I know alot of you have been talking about NAAF i encourage you to check into alopeciapalooza!!! we went last year with the family and it was amazing! you met lots of alopecians, had TONS of fun and became one big happy family!!!! if you go on facebook and type in alopeciapalooza you will find it :) we are going again this next august and I dont know how we could ever miss it again!

  • Gina

    Hello fellow Utahns!
    I just started the process of planning a 5k for raising awareness for Alopecia here in Utah sometime in September. If you are interested in helping in anyway please let me know I would love some volunteers!

    Thanks!
    Gina

  • Colene Anderson

    ALLLL ALOPECIANS!!!!! We are holding a Alopecia awareness 5K in Midway Utah June 29th 2013 for more information please contact Colene Anderson at coleneandersonphotography@hotmail.com
    hope to see you there!

  • Colene Anderson

  • Colene Anderson

    The info is now set up! click the link to take you to facebook where I have an events set up for our race also in the description is a link to where you can sign up to join us! Anyone WITH alopecia is free and needs to just let me know they are coming and there T shirt size. All other people need to sign up and you can even start a "team" for your favorite alopecian :) Hope to see you there! Fun activities to follow the race https://www.facebook.com/events/345574685547804/

  • Amy

    I saw DR. Kruegar, he is at the u of u. He knows a lot but is very old school. You have to have thick skin to see him. His bedside manner is very lacking. There are many that Dr's that dabble in this area.  I have been really tempted to find a dr out of state. Find one that does tests and doesn't just hand you a prescription for rogaine or propecia. Good luck!!

  • Teri C

    I am looking for someone in the Salt Lake City area that does eyebrow tatoos using the feather technique. 

  • Rob

    I have an appointment June 19th with Cristianne Casper in Sandy to have my eyebrows tattoo'd, will share the results :->