I would like to share my story with some readers who might have just recently received a diagnosis of alopecia. This spring I noticed to my horror that I had several bald patches in the front of my scalp. I couldn`t believe it - I actually went and checked it out in several mirrors of my house. I went to work with about a can of hairspray on my head to glue the strands in place and cover the spot.

Over the course of a few days the spots grew bigger and joined up so I was looking at a very large bald spot taking up about 1/3 of the front of my scalp. The dermatologist and GP were no help. My mom reminded me that I had a bald spot in my teens which eventually went away. So now that I was a repeat visitor to alopecia, this was now something that I had to deal with.

With a dear friend I went and purchased a wig. This gave me a great piece of mind and I was able to sleep without worrying what I would do if I woke up the next day completely bald. Meanwhile I was going to work with clips and headbands and any number of ways of hiding the worst comb-over ever!

I had a cortisone ointment from the dermatologist which I applied a few times a day. I used a super gentle shampoo, but nothing too expensive. I took more yoga classes, tried to relax and breathe. I exercised more, ate healthier, visited with friends.

After 3 months, the spots have filled in. This episode is over. It will probably come back, who knows when. I have my wig, my piece of mind, my confidence, a few new friends who were very comforting to me during that time - I am ready.

For those of you who are new to this, it can get better. It might go away. If you feel that it is stress-related, try to act on that. Or just try to forget about it and live a good life.