Oh hi!
Firstly, long time no write. Sorry!
Inspired by a recent conversation, I thought I'd go through some Alopecia discovery basics. Maybe you've just discovered your first bald spot, or your friend has just discovered theirs. It is TERRIFYING (caps for emphasis). But don't worry, all is not lost. As a hair loss and hair found pro, here are my suggestions for what to do after discovering you've potentially got Alopecia:
1. Most important (and also most difficult) is to try to relax. Take a second, shake out your arms and legs, dance to your favourite dance-y music and give your beautiful face a pep talk. Your hair does not define you. You've got a few bald spots? I am 98% sure they will grow back. And even if they don't and you eventually lose all of your hair, it will be ok. You are more than just your hair. You are a beautiful and intelligent human surrounded by friends and family that love you. And they will love you regardless of how much hair you have. And if they don't, then they are a jerk (sorry, but it's true). Trust me, I know how terrifying it is. Give yourself time to feel sad but then take some deep breaths and remind yourself of all the great things about yourself that have nothing to do with your hair. Maybe it's your lips or your nose or your height or your ability to make people laugh or your ability to fart without people noticing. Embrace those great qualities about yourself.
2. Make an appointment with your doctor. Even if it's just virtual (thanks, COVID-19), tell your Doctor what is going on and ask for a referral to a Dermatologist and ideally for some blood work to be done to confirm you don't have Anemia or any other underlying conditions that could cause hair loss. The most common treatment for Alopecia is cortisone cream or injections. It will likely help your hair to grow back a little faster. I personally also recommend a nice tingly shampoo and to gently tap your fingers on the area where you've got hair loss. You want to encourage blood flow to the area.
3. Tell your friends and family. Lean on them. That's what they're there for. If you aren't comfortable leaning on them for support, send me a message and I'll offer it to you. Or look into support groups in your area. Alopecia is common. Millions of other people have gone through this. Look to them for insight or support. You are not alone.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is an auto-immune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells thinking that the cells are intruders / unwelcome / diseased. I like to think of it as my immune system working a little too hard and attacking healthy cells unnecessarily (thanks, immune system). With Alopecia Areata there could be one or more bald spots that are round in shape and completely bald. Generally these patches will grow back within three months of the hair falling out. Alopecia Totalis is total hair loss of the scalp and Alopecia Universalis is the loss of all hair (head, face, body, etc).
Finding your first bald spot (or even your second, third, fourth fifth...) is scary. I promise everything will be ok. Even if it doesn't feel like it will be.
xoxoxo
