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Second Opinion...
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.
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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Comment by JeffreySF on July 24, 2009 at 2:42pm
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Hey Robert,
Did you ever check out the product I mentioned? It will cosmetically cover the spots.
Jeffrey
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Comment by Heather L on July 24, 2009 at 4:32pm
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Hi Robert!
Thanks for the update - I was wondering how it went! I think you will see more response with the Clobestasol Propionate- good move! It works really well for me. Give it a good two weeks before you see
much happening - at least that what it takes for me to see re-growth. Not sure I think there is much
difference between the injections and topical steroids- I've had lots of experience with both. So I agree
there is not a need to jump right into the injections- and if you should decide to try them. .... they are
not so bad. I guess we all have difference sensitivities to pain- but honestly I don't think they hurt at all.
Not that is fun- but certainly nothing to be afraid of! :) I think it's the mental imagine of getting a shot in your head that's the toughest part! lucky us! ha!
Did the derm mention doing more blood tests? I think it would be a great idea to get a full picture of
what's going on and to rule out any underlying causes.
I assume the link she is making with asking about eczema is that it is an autoimmune skin condition as is
AA. And having one autoimmune disorder makes you more prone to others. There are many studies on PubMed using eczema/psoriasis topical treatments on AA patients. And they seem to have some degree of success for re-growth. ( more serious possible side effects than that of steroids so I've not been willing to try them.)
Good luck!!! Fingers crossed~
Heather
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Comment by Tallgirl on July 25, 2009 at 1:17am
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I had eczema and impetigo as a child, and was allergic to wool. Asthma in family on Mom's side. I have had AA, AU and now AT (the AT is since 1995), Guess this is it.
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Comment by Robert on July 28, 2009 at 6:26am
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Hi Jeffrey
Sorry, I meant to get back to you earlier. I did check the website but I can only see them supplying in the US although I will do an internet search for a UK supplier. Thanks for the tip
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Hey Robert,
There are other companies who make this product.
I'm sure you van get something.
Again,
I loved this stuff while I had enough hair to make it work.
Hope all is well.
Hang in there.
Jeffrey
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Comment by Christine Messner on October 13, 2009 at 2:19pm
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Hello Robret :) My son has AA. Back in feb I notice 2 small spots and then 9 weeks later he lost pretty much all of his hair! It was harder on me then him, that's forsure, I tried Dr. Schmuel Gonen treatment and 3 months later his has come in about 80 85%. You can look up my blog Kyler's treatment. It has worked so well on him that I would like people to know of him. That's how I found him..Just a thought, best of luck to you!!
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