I'd like some information about this condition. I'm experiencing hair loss in several locations on my scalp. I'm currently treating it with Drithocreme (active ingredient?) and I've also received cortisone injections in the affected areas, although I have yet to see signs of improvement. I've since found out that my father also suffers from the same condition. He's treated it with applications of iodine (based on the recommendation of a dermatologist he saw years ago), which seems to work--his hair eventually grows back, although the condition never completely leaves. What are the odds with respect to full recovery vs. total loss of hair?
*********Answer:
It sounds like you've been diagnosed and are being treated for alopecia areata. If that is true, this is a condition that occurs when inflammatory cells presumabley cause changes in the hair follicles that result in hair loss. I say presumably, since there is a chicken/egg question here. Maybe something happens in the hair follicle that draws the inflammatory cells. We know, however, that if we treat with immunosuppressives (such as predisone or other steroids) or trick the inflammatory cells (with irritants or allergens (such as anthralin [Drithocreme]), the hairs often regrow. Unfortunately, the likelihood of regrowth depends upon the pattern of loss (localized is better than diffuse) and in my opinion (though not supported by large studies) the coexistence of other auto- immune diseases (such as thyroid disease or lupus erythematosus).
So, if it's just localized loss, and you are a young person, and you are otherwise healthy, recovery is more likely. Unfortunately, your father also has this condition and it sounds like he gets it off and on, and you may be destined for the same. See a good dermatologist for the best advice and therapy. Hope this helps. Eliot
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Dermatology Online: Served by Eliot N. Mostow, MD, MPH
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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