19yr old had alopecia aerata & for last 3 mths is losing hair on eyebrows, lashes and body. Help & adv pls?

Question

My daughter is 19 and about a year back we found a bald patch on her head. The doc treated it as alopecia aerata. Other patches developed but they all grew back. But now since she went away to uni 3 mths back, she has started losing hair on her eyebrows, lashes, arms & legs and her hair on her head is thinning rapidly too. She has 1 new patch on her head but that seems to be growing back. Even her hairline on her forehead has receded. She's only 19. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about your daughters hair loss. It does sound like she is quickly moving from alopecia areata to alopecia totalis. My daughter is seven and she moved from AA to AU (as of today) It all started in August and now she has lost her hair, eyebrows and a few eyelashes. The best thing to do now is to get her to a good dermatologist. My daughter is using a topical steroid treatment called clobetasol. She has been using it for 4 weeks and we have seen new hair follicles and a bit of stubble. I have some really great information on lace wigs if she would like to take that route. With the lace wigs she will have a natural hairline and be able to pull her hair back and up in a high pony tail. She can even sleep and swim in them. The lady that we order from gives discounts to members of my daughter's site as she has alopecia universalis as well. Feel free to visit our blog or site at www.bandanasbyhalle.com. I do wish you the best.

I started Halle's non-profit site to help her help others and to keep her mind on the positive...maybe your daughter can get involved in some charity work as well. Any help we can offer just let us know. Take care.

Jewel and Halle

Answer 2

It sounds like that is exactly what she has. This is the infor I found on the National Alopecia Arearta Foundation's web site I suggest you contact them at .http://www.naaf.org/default2.asp
Alopecia areata occurs in males and females of all ages and races; however, onset most often begins in childhood and can be psychologically devastating. Although not life-threatening, alopecia areata is most certainly life-altering, and its sudden onset, recurrent episodes, and unpredictable course have a profound psychological impact on the lives of those disrupted by this disease.