Comment by JeffreySF on July 20, 2009 at 2:51pm

Hey Robert this is good news. I'm glad you are going for the 2nd opinion as well.
I've never heard of this cream. I will have to look it up.
Did you look at the cosmetic product I mentioned?

I'm glad you are feeling better.

Jeffrey

Comment by JeffreySF on July 20, 2009 at 9:39pm

Hi Deborah,
Be sure to post the information you get. What is this rare condition???

Jeffrey

Comment by Heather L on July 21, 2009 at 12:01am

Hello Robert,

I am so sorry you are going through this! I know how you feel with new spots popping up- "gutted" is a great description! I have had spots coming and going for years now and each time I find a new one my heart
hits the floor! I have gone to many great doctors- including flying out of state for AA research. Here is
the compilation of what was told....

No one can predict the progression of AA. There is not a know cure or cause/trigger- found many theories.
There are several conditions that can correlate with AA and they need to be ruled out. They are - thyroid disorders, vitiligo, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, pernicious anemia and allergies. ( Having
fun yet??)

The blood tests recommended were:
Comp. Metabolic Panel
Lipid panel
Thyroid function test (include TSH, T3, T4)
Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy, D2 & D3
CBC
RA factor (rheumatoid arthritis)
Sed rate (sedimentation rate detects signs of inflammation)
ANA (antinuclear antibody)
CRP (c-reactive protein)
Serum iron and ferritin
Hormone panel (including free testosterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and FSH-not all apply to men)
ACTH (adrenal gland functin/ cortisol levels-- this should be repeated every 6 months if using steroids topical/injections/ or oral)

Regarding your appointment - I think the synalar- a topical corticosteroid- is a standard treatment AA. However I am not as familiar with that brand and believe there are stronger topical options. I am completely at a loss as to why the doctor wants you wait 12 weeks for the new spots???? don't really agree with that as I found the sooner I find and start treatment on a spot the smaller I am able to keep that spot.

White hairs- a great sign! Each of my spots as they start to re-grow hair always start white.

I am assuming the doc. believes the beard area is difficult to treat b/c corticosteroids may be to strong for the face (will certainly cause acne!!)

Hope this info helps! Good luck with the next appointment!!! Fingers crossed for you! :)
Heather

Comment by JeffreySF on July 21, 2009 at 12:31am

Heather,
Thanks for putting such effort into your response to this post. You Rock My World!!!

Jeffrey

Comment by Jeff W on July 21, 2009 at 12:52am

Robert,
It certainly sounds like you are doing all of the right things. I've never heard of anyone recommending the 12 week wait - the only think I can think of is that your doctor is trying to wait for a regrowth hair cycle to occur before subjecting yourself to steroid treatment in an area that is in a dormant stage anyway. I personally haven't had much luck other than side effects (such as acne) from steroid treatments, but it seems to work for some so I certainly would never discourage anyone from trying doctor recommended treatments. What I will suggest is that you read up on the side effects of steroids and be aware if you start seeing side effects. Your doctor may also be trying to moderate your use of the cream somewhat, as even topical steroids may be absorbed systemically in large enough doses.

I'm in a similar situation to yourself. I developed numerous spots including loss of facial hair, many of which have some sparse white hair regrowth. I haven't developed any new spots for a few months now, so I'm hoping I'm healing naturally. Also like yourself, I'm seeing this for the first time in my 40's and there seems to be some evidence that "older" folks like us have a decent chance for spontaneous recovery.

You do seem to be approaching this in the right way. While none of us (nor our doctors) can know for sure what might work for you, I think you do need to continue to seek medical advice until you have enough information to determine for yourself which if any treatment is right for you. I highly recommend getting the tests Heather recommended as I found it extremely helpful to at least know that doctors weren't overlooking any underlying condition that might be causing this. These tests will also serve to confirm that you are indeed otherwise very healthy.

Hope things go well for you!
Jeff

Comment by JeffreySF on July 21, 2009 at 1:10am

I have experienced this white hair phenomenon since I went AU. I was AA for 3 months then AU then this white hair thing. Fast forward Two years later. I now have white arm hair in addition to white scalp/facial hair. It is diffuse but not full. Within the past couple months there is progressivly more brown hair. it seems as though I might.....be on a reversal pattern...Who knows....Weird

Jeffrey

Comment by Robert on July 21, 2009 at 5:43am

Thanks to you all for your comments.

The 12 week wait recommended by the doctor was due to the hair cycle. He said that there was no point in treating when no hair would be growing anyway. I just have a real issue with doing nothing about it, and letting spots get bigger. I'm hoping that the second opinion might help put my mind at ease.

I'll keep you all posted.
Thanks again

Comment by Robert on July 21, 2009 at 5:48am

Some more info on Synalar...

Topical steroids are also used in some patients, and fluocinolone acetonide cream 0.2% (Synalar) had some regrowth results in studies.

The strange this is that this is from a website headed "Hair Loss Solutions For Thyroid Patients". I'm not aware of any issue with my thyroid.

Comment by JeffreySF on July 21, 2009 at 12:13pm

Robert, ask and see if your Thyroid function was checked. Thanks for the update too

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