Comment by Jason on October 29, 2013 at 8:23pm

did they sensitize you on you arm or did they do the first treatment on your head? I got 2% on my arm last week and had a minor rash for about 36 hours. It took about a day for it to appear. The doctors office said that they are having trouble sensitizing people (no rash) and they have continued with the treatment and hair has continued to grow. I know the goal of the treatment is to get the rash but sometimes it takes more than once. What did your doctor say about the treatment? Do you have AA, AT, or AU?  Just curious what made u decide to pursue it. I'm new to it too, and decided to pursue it as a last resort as well. good luck!!! Fingers crossed for you :)

Comment by Ruthie on October 29, 2013 at 8:48pm

Hi Jason,

The doctor just did one patch on my head, he said to expect itching, and possibly even rash all over my body, LOL I felt like I sat watching my skin all weekend waiting for the rash, bought all kinds of things for itching all ready,  but nothing, didn't even get a little red.  He also used 2% said he would see me in two weeks to do another patch, and it would be less %.  I had actually given up on doing anything, have been dealing with this for three years and have AA, but the last two or three months has gotten a lot more severe, I have now lost so much that I am in wigs, couldn't cover it anymore.  I had been having shots every six weeks and rogaine and they have helped keep it under control, and grow back, also courses of steroids periodically, this time nothing worked, on my way to AT.  I went for my appointment to tell him that I had given up, and ready to get off the emotional roller coaster and accept it, he said he had one last resort thing to try.  I was very reluctant, doesn't sound fun, acid on you're head, but I asked him if it were a family member of his would he suggest it, and he said yes he would.  I will give it a try, and try not to get my hopes up too much.  Good luck to you too :) what do you have AA AT or AU.  Did you try other treatments before? it doesn't feel quite so bad when you know others are trying it too.  I guess its a 50/50 chance, so hopefully one of us will be lucky. 

Comment by Jason on October 29, 2013 at 10:02pm

I have AT, I had AA earlier this year. I've heard great things about squaric acid honestly. I know it's not easy with the rash/itching but its all a part of the process. I have my 2nd appointment next week and will start applying it weekly after that. Please keep me posted on your progress and I will certainly do the same. Let me know if u end up getting the rash. Like I said before, a lot of people don't get it the first time, sometimes it takes a while. If you search for "squaric acid"on this site there is a lot of helpful info from people who have used it. I know of at least 3 people who have had success with it. Best of luck to you and pls keep me posted! :) 

Comment by Jason on October 29, 2013 at 10:03pm

The hair follicles aren't dead, they are alive, they just need that push to come through again 

Comment by Jason on October 29, 2013 at 10:08pm

did the doctor tell you when to expect any hair growth? 

Comment by Ruthie on October 29, 2013 at 10:37pm

No the doctor didn't tell me when to expect any hair growth, I have been doing a lot of reading and have read that you can see hair growth as soon as 6 weeks, I go back next Friday for the second test and then after that will go back for the weekly after that.  I have heard good and bad, but I do trust in my doctor as he has been very good about telling me what he won't do, he refuses to leave me on prednisone for more than a two week course, he does not like anything that can cause other medical problems.  He said there was another medication, but that could cause liver problems so he won't give me that, that is why I asked him if he would give it to a family member, he is very honest in his opinions.   I know that everything has risk, but in my mind it could be that one last thing that could work and if I don't try it I will always wonder if it was the treatment that would have worked.  If it doesn't I will take a break for a while.  Good luck to you, and I will definitely keep you posted and would love to know how you are getting along with it.  I go back next Friday, so we will be on the same course, I am hoping to get an email saying you see growth.  soon  :) I will be excited for you.

Comment by Jason on October 30, 2013 at 8:42am

Thanks Ruthie, that's great to hear. Same to you! Talk soon. Let's touch base at the end of Nov and see if anything has resulted for us. Glad we r on the same timeline basically. Any more q's, feel free to post them here, we can help each other through it. Good luck, you're not alone :)

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