Worried mum: Hi my 18 year old son has a 10p... - Alopecia UK

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Worried mum

Shirlan profile image
4 Replies

Hi my 18 year old son has a 10p size patch of hair loss and has been given anti viral medication and anti fungal shampoo. Having read a little bit about alopecia I'm wondering if we should be asking for some steroid based medication. He went to see GP and I can't understand why he was given anti vitals? Any suggestions would be great fully received.

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Shirlan profile image
Shirlan
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Amy_AUK profile image
Amy_AUKPartner

Hi Shirlan,

I can only assume your GP does not believe it to be alopecia areata. Perhaps ask to see another GP within the practice and ask for a 2nd opinion. GPs have limited dermatology training. If you do not feel that your son is getting an appropriate diagnosis, consider asking for a referral to a dermatologist. It's important to get a correct diagnosis.

I hope this helps a little.

Amy

Shirlan profile image
Shirlan in reply to Amy_AUK

Many thanks Amy. That is good advice, I was thinking about going back to the GP. I'll definitely do this now.

laviolad profile image
laviolad

I was told the same thing by my GP too (I had the 10p patch on my beard and not on my hair). I then went to a dermatologist who confirmed "alopecia barbae". Unfortunately I didn't give it the right amount of attention, and have lost my beard, eyelashes and eyebrows and my hair is thinning away too. I would suggest getting a second opinion and to move fast if he does diagnose alopecia.

I'm reading many books about it and a lot is being written /researched about autoimmune disease and food. Make him avoid gluten for about 3 weeks. Make him eat lots of fruit and vegetables and cut the sugar. This, while doing an adequate therapy on the side.

I noticed that steroid medication is only provisional. It fixed me for a while but when I stopped, it just continued to make me lose hair.

I'm not a doctor but it has been a tough 3 years dealing with this condition and the one regret I had was not dealing with it well right from the beginning.

Good luck

Shirlan profile image
Shirlan

Thank you very much for your reply. I'm going to make him another appointment and ask for a referral. Sorry to hear that you've had a tough time. I will certainly push the fruit and veg and suggest he tries to avoid gluten to see if this helps. Best wishes.

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