My life changed about 3 weeks ago when I came down with some sort of contact dermatitis throughout my neck and scalp. The dermatologist put me on prednisone for 7 days. Then I was diagnosed with AA about 2 weeks ago when a large amount of hair came out from one spot at the back of my scalp on the left side. I felt it all pull away in the shower and it was a very weird feeling. I got cortisone injections in that spot and my dermatologist also prescribed a topical solution called Clobetasol to put on at night. For the past week now my hair has been coming out by the fistful. If I wash my hair it all clumps up and rather than combing through it when wet it just all comes out on the comb. This morning I finally took a scissors and cut off the remaining hair below my shoulders because it was a mess and not even attached to my head. All test results have come back negative so I have no underlying disease and yet my hair continues to come out at a very rapid pace. As of today I am wearing a wig. I probably don't exactly need it yet but it makes me feel better than seeing the pink patchy spots all over and also because I cannot dye or style what hair is left.

I spend a lot of time reading your blogs because they make me feel better. I empathize with all of you and feel so much the same way - scared of not knowing what is to come. For me it was helpful to get the wig, probably because it was one thing I could control in the midst of so many other things I could not control. Does anyone have any tips for how to keep exercising while wearing a wig? I have put workouts on hold because of this and I would welcome suggestions. Has anyone else had a similar experience with dermatitis? Keep on posting, and best wishes to everyone!