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Suggest Treatment For Alopecia Areata
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I will attach some images of some the patches as they are now. I have also had blood tests and was told that they came back clear. I believe I am a healthy individual with a well balanced diet, I am just under 5'6, female, just turned 18 3 weeks ago and weigh 109lbs, and I am also active.
Alopecia Areata
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your photographs look extremely distressing but the final diagnosis would be alopecia areata and not alopecia universalis. Since you have pubic hair involvement also, this is a multifocal alopecia areata.
From your pictures I can say that since the extent of scalp involvement is less than 40% in all probabilities the hair should grow back even though the involved area is completely smooth at present. However, since the disease is an autoimmune one there can be no prediction when you would actually see your hair reappear! Also, this condition can recur and these episodes of hair loss and regrowth can occur the frequency of which varies amongst patients.
Regarding treatment, watchful waiting is an option but you can also use topical minoxidil and corticosteroids as well as intralesional ones. However, I must say that whether these would act in restoration of hair is not known as the effects are unpredictable.
Finally, I would like to say that from your pictures, your hair should grow back but again the time frame cannot be predicted. I understand it is absolutely distressing therefore you should wear a wig till complete hair restoration occurs.
Wish you all the very best!
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I was also wondering if my alopecia is connected to me being tired all of the time as I get 8-10 hours sleep every night, yet feel the need to nap throughout the day. I also have been becoming ill often. I have also lost a lot of motivation to do things and I cry a lot of the time when I look at myself (I used to be quite confident and now I wont even go out - I spend about 20 hours a day in my bedroom and a couple of hours in our home gym) And then 6 hours twice a week I have to go to work, but otherwise I don't want to leave the house (I used to have a great social life). I have been offered counselling, do you think that I may be developing depression from my condition?
Alopecia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I absolutely understand your condition. The tiredness and loss of motivation are emanating from the underlying condition which is really triggering symptoms of depression. These are not associated with your hair loss in any way as this is an autoimmune condition as I have mentioned already.
Spice up your life, use a wig and socialize!! It's no use confining yourself at home. If you start losing confidence now, you would never gain it back even when the hair grows back with time!
Lastly, I would like to say that it is very easy to say these on my part but I absolutely understand how difficult it is for you. However, you should compose yourself back and be positive because that is the best you can do; let your body do the rest!
Best wishes!!
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You have been very helpful, thank you :)
Alopecia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, you can consult your family doctor for the depression issue. Regarding the wig issue, I prefer human hair wigs as their appearance is the most natural. If you are sensitive to human hair you may then opt for synthetic wigs. Here are websites which provide good wigs:
http://www.jennyshairsense.com/humanhairwigs.html
http://www.annabelleswigs.co.uk/
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