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Alopecia phase II-Scalp changes
Back in January I wrote about being diagnosed with shingles on my head. I had a burning red patch on my scalp. It began at night, on my way home from a gig. I didn't feel it at first, but my husband noticed it saying to me "Lili your head is bright red". It burned. That was a Saturday. I went to my primary care physician. He said I had shingles. Gave me an antibiotic and a cream. It did nothing to help. 3 weeks later I saw my dermatologist. Since the condition persisted he thought I had post-herpatic disorder, basically an extension of shingles. He gave me a different topical steroid. At this point its February. The condition subsides and goes away. Surprisingly, I wake up one morning to discover its back. By the time I'm able to get an appointment with my dermatologist, its April. In between that time, the flare up of redness, burning and itching usually goes away overnight. But it reappears randomly. I keep track on my calendar. I finally see my doctor in April, showing up a day or so after a flare up but not when its in full-swing. He took pictures of my head and said "I don't know what this is". He instructed me to tell the front receptionist to mark my file, that when I wake up again with this at its worst state that they are to "squeeze me in"; he wants to see my head when its at its worst. He gave me a script for the strongest topical steroid cream.
I use it. It works. I'm a happy camper. Fast forward to end of May. I wake up this week, and this is what I look like, one of the worst episodes. I initially awaken feel my head itch. By the time I get up and look in the mirror, its burning. I call the dermatologist, remind the receptionist what he said, about their "squeezing me in" so he can evaluate. Doesn't matter, as he is out of the office for 3 days. I get an appointment with my primary care physician for the next day (yesterday, Friday, 5/31). He is sending me to an allergist. He believes I never had shingles, which I suspected, however, he doesn't know what I have either. I want to know what this is so it can be treated.
If any of you have experienced this PLEASE let me know. I don't mind having lost my hair to alopecia. Its just hair. I've made peace with it all quite readily. I don't, however, like how this feels or looks. Again, anyone having similar experience who have sought treatment or know any information, please comment. For the record, most of my hair went end of February 2011. I shaved the bit that was left March 5, 2011. Below is what it looks like. One of the photos is blurry, but you can see the redness. Thank you.
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Comment by Lili Añel (aka Eulalia) on June 5, 2013 at 11:31am
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Barbara, thank you for commenting. I am seeing an allergist tomorrow and have begun researching what foods are inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. I am also looking into juicing and eating the right combination of vegetables/fruits to help me. The positive about all of this is that it made me read more about having an autoimmune disease.
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Comment by wise1 on June 5, 2013 at 11:45am
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Let us know how the allergist appointment goes....
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Barbara, what herbs and supplements do you take to decrease inflammation?
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Met with the allergist. I have to have the RAST blood test which may show what I might be allergic to food-wise which may cause inflammation. He also said I may NEVER find out what causes the flareups. The flareups are a result of this autoimmune disease, Alopecia, which is inflammatory in nature. I asked if he would refer me to an endocrinologist if my test comes back normal. He said, no, a rheumatologist. I will insist on seeing an endocrinologist, that testing will reveal more. Doctors are extremely reluctant to refer you to an endocrinologist as the testing is costly and the health insurance companies don't like paying for them. Too bad.
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I was taking Chinese herbs and also Chrysanthemum drops. Someone suggested buying chrysanthemum flowers and just making tea out of them to drink all day long. I am also very acidic, so I am researching alkalizing foods. I am now on many kinds of vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, and botanicals as well, but the Chinese herbs and the Chrysanthemum are specifically for the inflammation. Just a note - after a about three weeks the acupuncturist still says I have lots of heat, so it is not easy to treat. To me this heat is all about stress, and I am trying to do deep breathing and stay relaxed, but it is not easy when your hair is all coming out. I see that I lost my eyelashes on one side this morning. I am seeing an endocrinologist on July 5. Keep fighting Lili.
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