December 27 2007, 3:34 pm PT | Posted in: Diseases + Hair Loss Causes
My son has had alopecia areta past 5 years, we tried all kinds of medications ( from ayurveda, homeopathy, allopathic mecinines) but all in vain.. he is now diagnosed for opheosis…(alopecia totalis). We all are going through stress and depression.. and even our social life is getting affected becaause of all this.. is there any solution.. in laser therapy….
Please help…
Alopecia totalis is one of more advanced types of alopecia, in which hair loss spreads to involve the entire head. The mechanism of this disorder is similar to other more limited types of alopecia, like alopecia areata. Autoimmune reaction against hair follicles is suggested to be the cause of this condition. Although recovery could be spontaneous in a few cases, it may take months to years to appear.
Medications, such as minoxidil, have very limited success and topical immunotherapy is considered the most effective current treatment, but the response is not universal among all patients. You should have your son see a dermatologist who has special experience in treatment of this condition. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I can refer you to someone local.
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I truly believe that dealing with alopecia is a 2 fold solution. First thier is the continuing search for medical help, but even more important you have to deal with the here and now and the prepare your son and your family for the possiblility that he may not grow his hair back. As a parent I think it is so important for you to find the support you need so that you can show your son that he is no different from any other child and that his life, happiness and self-confidence is not dependent on how many strands of hair he has on his head. This is really a time for a parent to start shaping and dealing with self-esteem issues with thier child. Throughout life we are may face all sorts of situations and to learn this now will serve him 10-fold in the future. Good luck, I can tell that you love and care for your child.