I got my second opinion from the private dermatologist on Wednesday.
Overall, I was more satisfied with her explanation of what was happening and felt that she did a much more thorough investigation of my scalp.
The dermatologist said that the alopecia could be hereditary, but she also asked if I had ever suffered from eczema to which I replied that I had patches on my legs and hands when I was younger. It's the first time that I'd heard about a possible link with eczema.
Good and bad news...
- the patch behind my ear (the biggest patch which has been there since January) is still growing. There were signs of broken hairs around it. She did, however, comment that it was really positive that white hairs can be seen growing in from where the patch started.
- the patch on top of my head (which only appeared 4-5 weeks ago) has no signs of broken hairs/further growth. Fingers crossed that it doesn't get any bigger.
- she didn't recommend any treatment for the patch on my beard (this doesn't bother me)
She suggested that I try using Dermovate cream (Clobetasol Propionate) on the patches and go to see the NHS dermatologist in a couple of months. I asked about injections and she wouldn't recommend it due to the pain and low success rates but to go back to see her if I want to try it, but to try the steroid cream first.
She said that when you get alopecia patches in the lower part of the back of the head that it is more likely to reoccur.
I was a lot more satisfied with this appointment and felt a bit more at ease afterwards. I was SO pleased that the patch on my head had no signs of further growth at the moment as it is the patch that bothers me most and I can generally still disguise it (although I'm paranoid going out in bad weather)
I'll try the cream and let you know how it goes.
I've tried everything now (doctor / 2 dermatologists / hypnotherapist / holistic) so I think I just need to calm down and see how things work out. I want my life back and am sick of being miserable. I'm just keeping everything crossed that my hair comes back.
Thanks to all on here for their comments. It has been a big help.
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