Alopecia

[British]

Hello everyone:

In February I was diagnosed with Alopecia Altera, The Dr. put me on Cyclort, and Biotine 300mcg and Multistart womens.

The Cyclort 2-3x a day Biotine 1x a day Multistart 1x a day;
The Dermatolgist told me that I shouldn't perm my hair anymore. I was in great denial of her advice, she was Asian and I am black and I felt like she didn't know what she was talking about.

Over 15 years I have taken excellent care of my hair no curling Iron; no coloring my hair; using end papers when setting my hair; so why me?

Is there anyone who can give me some encouragement.

Thanks

Denise

 

[londongirl3]

First of, sorry for your hair troubles! Listen to your trichologist please.

Please stop relaxing your hair immediately. You are in danger of not only having your hair fall off but also permanently injuring your scalp.

I have seen one black woman actually lose her hair from it. The alopecia started as a small dot, continuing to relax her hair made it grow into a large bald patch. She has had to undergo several hair transplants to attempt to restore the hair. Some of which have been successful and others not. She has also had cortisone injections which were not successful in her case.

It would really be worthwile to stop relaxing your hair. I cannot tell you what started your alopecia but I can tell you that relaxers, texturizers, pressing oils or any other chemical which can cause even minor burns is not going to help it. It is possible to have healthy natural hair so please consider the alternative. You can also weave your hair should you prefer the straight look.

I haven't read your country of origin but your name is British and should you wish to have another reference point, try Renee Lagrange who is an afro hair trichologist. She has a website somewhere giving her location in London(Just search on the internet)

You may be able to relax your hair again once the hair loss is stopped and new follicles start forming.

 

[British]

Hello Londongirl3:

I have finally listerned to my Dermatologist, however my hairdresser is a lying -----. In December she called me and asked why I hadn't been in the salon; I replied that the last perm she used on me seem to be breaking my hair, instead of swearing and ranting I decided to walk away and fix the hair myself. In the summers in Canada can be quite hot, so I usually just wash and wear my hair, in the fall I am very strict with my hair no coloring no curling iron. Can you belive that this COW permed my hair knowing that there were bold spots in the back of my head. It was after bringing the matter to the attention of my MD he was the one that told me about the balding at the back. As I am typing this thread I'm getting very upset. I asked the ----- about the balding "I didn't see anything" she replied. My hair was always thin and long about 4 inches past my bra strap.

Londongirl3, it not about being vain, its about the dishonesty at the same time I could have dealt with the matter much sooner than I did. I have started to gray which is fine with me; I had always planned to cut my hair short when I would start this phase in my life, and now I can't do this. Out of frustration, I cut my pony tail with the kitchen scissors, I will have to go back to the ----- and let her even out the cut I did, and then I will get some treaments, and for the fall I will have enough new growth to braid my hair which I didn't want to take this recourse; after braiding my hair for maybe a year, then I will go natural with a rinse. I never did like weaves, so it is not an option for me; I will send my hair to that woman that you had suggested. Being from England I feel very comfortable contacting her. I have no plans to return home this year or in the near future.

I have used Optimum for 15 years and not a problem, until the ----- used Mezzaine (not sure about the spelling). My hair is a type 3C/4A; thanks to my father's good genes I am sure, I know it will grow back. Dam the dishonest people in this world. I should have gone back when I first noticed it, but If I did I am sure I would be sitting in a jail cell, I will leave the masive cow to the lord.

I do a lot of praying, and I keep telling myself that my hair will grow back.


Densie

 

[londongirl3]

Hairdressers can be evil which is why you need to know your own hair inside and out. You also need to relax darling. Alopecia is aggravated by stress. I cannot honestly guarantee that your hair will grow back because it doesn't always. However, if you treat the hair you have now kindly, it will most certainly stay on your head and provide enough coverage for those patches (In the worst case scenario)

And you are right, you don't need to cut your hair short. If you are worried about the gray/grey, consult your trichologist and then try natural methods of hair dye should it be acceptable.

I really think that of utmost importance right now is to
1. Stop the alopecia from spreading
2. Retain the hair you have

The supplements you were given are excellent for follicle stimulation and hair thickening. Hopefully the alopecia can be reversed.

However you need to be patient and treat your hair gently. I know it can be frustrating. I also got partially bald myself but through bad hair care(self colouring gone wrong). I immediately put on braids and that helped to relieve the stress.

Your hair can and still will be beautiful, you just need to take care of it. Ideally you should try to keep your hair natural (or in braids/weave) and not do anything to aggravate the alopecia. It would be counterproductive to relax your hair at this point.

I'm glad you will look into the trichologist I recommended. Good luck with your hair, and I too will say a prayer for you sweetie.

 

[British]

[ QUOTE ]
And you are right, you don't need to cut your hair short. If you are worried about the gray/grey, consult your trichologist and then try natural methods of hair dye should it be acceptable.


[/ QUOTE ]

Londongirl3, I have about 3 inches of new growth, I was under the impression that I some point I would have to cut off the relaxer to be able to braid my hair.

I was also under the impression that Alopecia would take anywhere between 3-5 years for your scalp to heal. In 1999 I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, and for two months I did live like a C patient, however thanks be to the grace of god, after removing the Tumor from my colon, the results indicated that I have Crohn's Diease. My hair never even gave me any problems during this 18 month period.

I just washed and roller set my hair tonight, and I could see the stubble and where most of the strands have grown back or broken off. I find that my hair grows pretty fast, and the hair shaft always appears to be freshly relax, however I could always tell because my roots start to become wavy.

Stress and I have always been the best of friends so you could be correct about the strees factor. But one thing I have noticed is this dense pain in my head. I will ask the Trichologist when I send an email tomorrow.

Lg3, when your hair stopped balding and you had new grow; did you return to your relaxer?

Thanks for offerning the prayers, much appreciated.

Denise

 

[Jen]

Hmm... I don't know much about the differences between alopecia types, but maybe what happened to me might help.

About six years ago, I lost a patch of hair on the top of my head about the size of a quarter. Just fell out. At the time, I was relaxing my hair. The hair didn't grow back in until several months later.

Alopecia runs in my family. My dad gets it. When she was 12, my sister lost a spot of hair in the same location. We went to the doctor, he prescribed some creams, but the hair didn't return until several months later. She discovered a new spot a couple months ago and it *still* hasn't come back. And she's a 3b/c, and never relaxed her hair.

Since the condition runs in my family, I didn't think twice about continuing to relax my hair. Up until last summer, I touched up on my regular schedule without any problem. I didn't see a doctor about it and the spot filled in fairly normal - it just has a much looser curl pattern than the rest of my hair.

While I don't mean to contradict folks who see this as a sign you should let up on the relaxers, I just want to point out the possibility that it may not be the relaxer that's causing the problem.

 

[British]

[ QUOTE ]
Since the condition runs in my family, I didn't think twice about continuing to relax my hair. Up until last summer, I touched up on my regular schedule without any problem. The spot filled in fairly normal - it just has a much looser curl pattern than the rest of my hair.


[/ QUOTE ]

Jen:

I understand what your saying, at this point I could rack my brain trying to figure out why me. I will definitly stop perming my hair for about 18-24 mths and go from their. I will not reperm until the Derm says it's alright.

Thank for your input much appreciated

Regards,

Denise

 

[Brownie]

[ QUOTE ]
About six years ago, I lost a patch of hair on the top of my head about the size of a quarter. Just fell out. At the time, I was relaxing my hair. The hair didn't grow back in until several months later.

Alopecia runs in my family. My dad gets it. When she was 12, my sister lost a spot of hair in the same location. We went to the doctor, he prescribed some creams, but the hair didn't return until several months later. She discovered a new spot a couple months ago and it *still* hasn't come back. And she's a 3b/c, and never relaxed her hair.

Since the condition runs in my family, I didn't think twice about continuing to relax my hair. Up until last summer, I touched up on my regular schedule without any problem. I didn't see a doctor about it and the spot filled in fairly normal - it just has a much looser curl pattern than the rest of my hair.

While I don't mean to contradict folks who see this as a sign you should let up on the relaxers, I just want to point out the possibility that it may not be the relaxer that's causing the problem.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Hair is hair. People with relaxed and natural hair have similar problems: breakage, shedding, hair loss. Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[British]

Hello Brownie:

I was not complaining; I only wanted to know if anyone had the same experience. Compared to most people who get Alopecia I am very lucky; I can still roller set my hair; and comb my hair.

I have never had this happen to me be before, I can tell that for what ever reason you were offended. I thought this board was about helping each and offering support when need.

BIG MISTAKE TO COME HERE!!!!!

 

[CurlyCrly]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello Brownie:

I was not complaining; I only wanted to know if anyone had the same experience. Compared to most people who get Alopecia I am very lucky; I can still roller set my hair; and comb my hair.

I have never had this happen to me be before, I can tell that for what ever reason you were affended. I thought this board was about helping each and offering support when need.

BIG MISTAKE TO COME HERE!!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

No it wasn't! I have a friend who has been losing her hair too. Her dermatologist told her to stop relaxing as well. In addition to that, she was told to stop using products containing mineral oil and lanolin.

You are doing what your physician suggested you do. Don't be concerned about what other people think who are not doctors and who have not examined your scalp/hair.

 

[JazzAngel]

British, this site is filled with helpful members. Not everyone will agree with a point you have made but few times will someone make you uncomfortable.

It's never a big mistake to share because quite honeslty your post is helping me as well. I have been avoiding a spot that I have and now I think I should have it checked.

keep up the prayers they always help.

 

[British]

Jazzangel:

I went to another hair forum, and there was someone who replied back to my post with the some disturbing news about a young woman who had the same problem, but so much worse.

her entire body had no hair, to all the people who read this thread; could you be kind enough to say a prayer for this young woman, it would be great.

I don't know her name, because it was her friend that replied to my post.

Much Appreciated!

 

[londongirl3]

For everyone reading this thread please understand this alopecia is not temporary hair breakage/shedding which can be explained from incorrect use of a chemical application/dye or thermal damage, it is a medical condition

Alopecia involves the partial/full loss of hair(Follicular damage) and the hair does not grow back or does not grow in length.

British, you have been to a doctor and been told not to relax your hair. I would advise you to follow your doctor. Alopecia has several causes including possibly a reaction to dyes and chemicals in relaxers. (I can't remember who said you could possibly still continue to relax but I would advise you as a medical student that you should listen to your doctor. This is not about relaxed v natural hair, this is about treatment of a medical condition . )

To answer your question British, my 'baldness' was not alopecia. It was because of incorrect(and I highlight incorrect) use of a relaxer and hair dye. So it is explainable temporary hair loss. My hair grew back, (within a week) and I am currently natural(just about getting to a year). But I am not natural because of the hair loss, it is just a choice that I have wanted since I was 14 (cause my natural hair was always longer than my relaxed hair and I'm vain like that

).

 

[British]

Hello Londongirl3:

The beautiful thing about forums, is that individuals are going to offer their opinion whether other people agree or not.

I am no longer in denial of what I need to do, but when you have been doing something for a long time and then someone says stop. One is in shock; I do understand the complications of continuing to perm my hair. So be rest assured that I will not be relax 2-5 years maybe more.

It is human nature to be scared of the unknown, when I was terminally ill back in 1999, it was a specialist who told me that most likely I have colon Cancer for two months I lived like a Cancer patient, but instead it was Crohn's (Black people don't get Crohn's Diease this is a fact)

Thanks for your full support, your a very caring person!

British

 

[British]

Hello CurlyC:

Thanks for your support; why not use mineral oil, can you find out from your friend and let me know. My Dermatologist didn't mention that fact to me.

Much appreciated for your full support.

British

 

[CurlyCrly]

British,

Her dermatologist believed, like many others, that mineral oil clogs the pores and inhibits healthy growth. My friend is/was trying to hold onto the hair that she had left, so she is trying to do whatever she can.

 

[British]

Hello CurlyC:

Please give this information to your friend, I received the information from this forum: "PROVEN oil blend that stimulates hair growth". The thread was started by Blkmane; the actual site is www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com, all the information is there.

Much appreciated for all your help.

British

 

[CurlyCrly]

Thanks British, I've sent her the link.

I use 3 of the 4 essential oils listed in my own hot oil treatments. Interesting article.

 

[British]

Hello CurlyC:

Please tell your friend to purchase this book "Juicing for Life" by cherie Calbom and Maureen Keane. The Isbn # is 0-89529-512-1; if she can't get it let me know, and I will scann the pages to you, then print them off and give them to her.

Also tell her to cut out all sugars, perservatives, no junk food, pop, no fried foods cakes. Also she should eat all veg in their raw state.

From the jucing book:

1 large Kale leaf (usually do 1/4 of the entire kale
2 green apples (Juice both ingred and pray before drinking)

Just joking, it just tastes so bad, I have tried to do this one day in the week and one day on weekends. I have not stuck to this practise at all, by just getting the raw greens in my body I have noticed it has helped.

British

 

[Brownie]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
About six years ago, I lost a patch of hair on the top of my head about the size of a quarter. Just fell out. At the time, I was relaxing my hair. The hair didn't grow back in until several months later.

Alopecia runs in my family. My dad gets it. When she was 12, my sister lost a spot of hair in the same location. We went to the doctor, he prescribed some creams, but the hair didn't return until several months later. She discovered a new spot a couple months ago and it *still* hasn't come back. And she's a 3b/c, and never relaxed her hair.

Since the condition runs in my family, I didn't think twice about continuing to relax my hair. Up until last summer, I touched up on my regular schedule without any problem. I didn't see a doctor about it and the spot filled in fairly normal - it just has a much looser curl pattern than the rest of my hair.

While I don't mean to contradict folks who see this as a sign you should let up on the relaxers, I just want to point out the possibility that it may not be the relaxer that's causing the problem.

[/ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------

I REPLIED TO JEN'S POST:

I agree. Hair is hair. People with relaxed and natural hair have similar problems: breakage, shedding, hair loss. Thanks for sharing your story.

[/ QUOTE ]
---------------------------------------------------------

BRITISH SAID:

Hello Brownie:
I was not complaining; I only wanted to know if anyone had the same experience. Compared to most people who get Alopecia I am very lucky; I can still roller set my hair; and comb my hair.

I have never had this happen to me be before, I can tell that for what ever reason you were offended. I thought this board was about helping each and offering support when need.

BIG MISTAKE TO COME HERE!!!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My FINAL reply to this post:

British,
Whoa! I am shocked to read this reply. I didn't say anything about you complaining; that didn't even cross my mind, at all.

. And I wasn't offended at all; there was no reason for me to be. I just replied to Jen's post because I really liked what she had to say; FOR ME, it was very inspiring and educational. Personally, I'm glad you started this post, and I hope you will continue to give updates because WE'RE ALL here just to learn and to help each other; no one's throwing stones at anyone.

THANKS EVERYONE!

 

[Crysdon]

Thanks for clearing that up Brownie. I knew what you were saying, I think British just took it the wrong way.

 

[British]

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks for clearing that up Brownie. I knew what you were saying, I think British just took it the wrong way.


[/ QUOTE ]

Thats the problem today, people think they know what other people are thinking or how they perceive someone else perceptions. Infact they don't have a clue. Misunderstandings happen, I will agree.

Unless one has experienced another person mishap, greif, better yet illnes; can one honestly say they understand?

A foolish man speaks with his lips, a wise man speaks with his silence.

British

 

[pebbles]

I honestly believe there is just a huge misunderstanding here. I don't believe Brownie meant to offend you in any way.

 

[British]

Hello Pebbles:

To be very honest with you, it's not about offending me. The founder of this forum created voice for all women, to be able to speak their mind, to be able to aid someone else from a simple problem of not knowing how to do a braid out; to a women seeking help for her family member, because she lost her hair due to a bad perm.

Put yourself in my shoes; I spent the entire day looking for a better answer to my Alopecia. I wanted to find other options, and I did find those options; I found some sincere people like peachtree famous for showing people how to recreate a style that she came up with. Londongirl3, who is so caring, and Janice who started the Coconut+milk thread, I could go on, and on.

Tomorrow is another day life will go on, there are a lot more issues out there to deal with. Millons of children go hungry each day and night. They can't jump on the internet and find an answer to their problem(s) like anyone on this forum.

Regards,

British

 

[Jen]

I don't know if you came across this link already, but www.alopeciaareata.com is the homepage of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. I'm not sure if that's the kind of alopecia you have. It's the kind I have, which is why continuing to relax my hair did not cause me any damage when my hair fell out.

Good luck on your journey to regain your hair!

 

[British]

Hello Jen:

[ QUOTE ]
I'm not sure if that's the kind of alopecia you have. It's the kind I have, which is why continuing to relax my hair did not cause me any damage when my hair fell out.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, I did receive that link thank you; there are three types of Alopecia, I do have the same type as you. I have been very fortunate with the Alopecia, my bald spots were almost the size of a quater, most of the spots were at the back of my head. I just don't won't to take that gamble and continue to perm my hair; I have read numerous amounts of threads, and the one threads in particular are the ladies who talk about why they are going natural, and why the "hairdresser will wears gloves when applying the relaxer to the scalp, and how the scalp is not being protected". After reading that particular paragraph, things started becoming a lot more clear to me.

I have justed started using the essential oils remedey that I found on this forum, www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com. I plan to go a step further and contact the Scotish Institute that completed this particualr study.

Everything happens for a reason, and what ever those reasons are for me, I would like to share my experience and findings with you or anyone else who has a desire to know.

For example one who has Alopecia can take a strong drug called Rogain, the side affects are so terrible I opted not to take this drug. When I stumbled on this forum last week Saturday, I typed in Alopecia and the search came up empty.

The next person who types in Alopecia will have a tremendous amount of information to follow-up with. There is a young woman in America that I read about last week; her friend replied to my post and told me that I could contact two other women who have gone through same situation; I have not responded to her reply because I was so taken back by what she wrote. "My friend has Alopecia, but she lost everything, no hair on her body at all. Imagine how this young woman must be feeling, I can't imagine Jen.

British

 

[londongirl3]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know if you came across this link already, but www.alopeciaareata.com is the homepage of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. I'm not sure if that's the kind of alopecia you have. It's the kind I have, which is why continuing to relax my hair did not cause me any damage when my hair fell out.

Good luck on your journey to regain your hair!

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm all for getting a second opinion, but British did say her dermatologist actually told her not to continue relaxing.

I agree that relaxers are not always to blame for alopecia areata because there are many varying causes but maybe in British's case it is.

Jen, do you not think that she should get a second opinion from another dermatologist or trichologist before considering relaxing?

 

[pebbles]

Hi British,

If I haven't done so before, I welcome you to the forum!

I am thrilled that you've found answers to some of your questions here. That is the intention of the LHCF.

You did mention that misunderstandings can happen, and I implore you to consider the possibility that that's what happened here.

It happens every now and then, and we (moderators) try our best to clear them up so that members can feel comfortable about posting. Brownie has been on the forum for some time and she does not have a history of saying things to intentionally upset members. Those types do find their way on the forum every now and then, but they are dealt with swiftly, as soon as one of the moderators discovers them.

I wish you continued success on your journey to find a solution to your alopecia and to healthy hair.

Have a great day!

 

[sweetcocoa]

Welcome. I agree and think you need to listen to your doctor and take break from relaxers. Maybe somewhere down the line you could try again. To me it's not worth it if you end up with no hair. Some of us just can't take relaxers. I had them for years before I started having problems. I was seriously over processed by someone else's negligence about 10 years ago and ever since then, when I go a relaxer the same areas that were balding would start shedding again...no matter how strong they were growing back in. I've decided at this time being that it just isn't worth it. You came to the right place for advice. The subject to relax or not can be a touchy subject for some...but as long as you know what's good for your hair what someone else thinks shouldn't matter. Keep posting and once again welcome!

 

[British]

Hello Pebbles and Sweetcocoa:

Thanks for your kind comments much appreciated; SweetC thanks for sharing your experience with me. It is human nature never to be satisfied with what we already have.

I am somewhat disappointed in myself that I could allow myself to be so vain conerning my hair, that in the process I didn't think about what I was doing to my scalp. I have copied all of your notes conerning your experience with the milk and lime method; I shared your notes with a young lady on the tube (train), and she was so amazed.

Again, thank you both.

British