Alopecia?

Filan

After a recent increase in hair loss and a lot of long running scalp infection I finally went to a chemist, told likely I have Alopecia. Has anyone experienced this here?
Thanks
A

Wisheress

This diagnosis should be made by a doctor, not a chemist, although I appreciate (s)he was trying to be helpful.

Alopecia related to scalp infection means you should be getting completely different advice to alopecia areata/immune related hair loss, so previous forums on here regarding this topic may not be relevant to you.

I suggest you visit your GP/ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

Best wishes.

Filan

Thanks, will contact me G.P. tommorrow. Does scalp infection commonly cause hair loss? Are the odds on recovery usually good?

Wisheress

It's a recognised cause, yes. Sorry but I can't give medical advice on here. What happens depends on the underlying cause of infection etc. You'll have answers from your GP soon I know. All the best. Feel free to tell us how it goes.

Filan

Appointment with G.P Friday...Hair continuing to fall out at an alarming rate....even made enquiries with Hair Salon today about a hair piece...they told me to find out the cause first...and when they know they will try to get me one...I am guy but wear my hair in a 'Girlie' way.... The only silver lining is that such loss is obviously not hereditary...and apparently non hereditary loss has good recovery rates

Wisheress

Hang in there Filan.

If there's an ongoing infectious cause, your GP might be able to prescribe antibiotics/antifungals to treat that cause. If that doesn't seen to be the case, (s)he might ask you about various other symptoms and send you for blood tests (e.g. iron levels, thyroid function), but only if this relevant to you. You might not need blood tests at all if the cause is clear.

It must be very stressful for you, sorry to hear it.

Best wishes for tmrw. Let us know how you get on.

Filan

Doctor said that my bald patch is herdeitary but that the all over loss could be stress...scalp very dry and I have suffered a lot from anxiety and depression...could they be the cause? Seems a big co-incidence that I could be the only one in my family to experience this problem. Said she dosen't think a Dermatologist will help but that I can get an opinion and go for blood tests also...a hair piece beckons

DrIndy

you are best seeking professional treatment for this, and your GP is the best port of call for this.