About a year and a half ago I started out with Alopecia Barbae. Not having any idea what was going on when I started losing hair on my chin, I began to Google my symptoms and quickly figured out that I may possibly have Alopecia. Concerned, I went to a Dermatologist who did blood work to make sure that my symptoms were not being caused by a separate health issue. Luckily, there were no other problems and it was confirmed that I had Alopecia.

Due to never growing a beard and always keeping my face close shaved, I decided to not treat it and just move on with life. I am not exactly a huge fan of needles. Through my research I had found that people who have Alopecia Barbae generally don't get it on their head, so I wasn't exactly concerned. About eight months later I began to notice a spot forming on the left side of my head. I guess I am the exception to the rule. I immediately went to see my dermatologist who started me on treatments of a steroid foam that I rub on the spot and also giving me cortisone shots directly on the effected spot. The spot continued to grown until becoming about the size of a half dollar. However, after about two months of treatment, my hair began to respond and grew back in both my head and my beard. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to see it come back.

Unfortunately, about ten or so months later, I am back in the same boat. This time the spot is coming in on my right side just above my ear. It basically looks like my barber trimmed my hair up too far as of right now. But, I know that in time this spot is going to grow and become noticeable. Frustration does not even begin to explain my feelings towards this. I am going to call my dermatologist first thing on Monday morning and set up an appointment for treatment. My goal is to get ahead of the problem. I know that I cannot stop the hair from falling out, but at least I can get it to come back in faster by immediately addressing it.

I try to not let this bother me as much as it does. The problem is, when you are a single guy it can really hurt your self esteem when it comes to dating. People will say, "she'll love you for who you are." I totally get that and agree, but lets be honest. First impressions are always the most important and when you meet someone and they see a huge hole in the side of your head it can make for some awkwardness and a feeling of, "what's wrong with him?"

I am a Christian man...I am praying about this and standing in my faith believing that God will heal me. I have complete faith in His power to do that. I just wish I knew what lessons I am supposed to be learning through this. It's tough, but I am pressing on and will fight it. Worst case scenario, I have to shave my head. I guess in the grand scheme of things that's not too bad.

I am not sure why I decided to make a blog about this. I guess I just felt like getting my feelings out there. I believe that only people who suffer from this can truly understand how it feels and the emotions that one experiences when dealing with it. Here is to all of you who are dealing with and fighting this problem. I feel your pain and pray that the hair loss will be minimal and will reverse itself, soon. :)

-Thomas