Alopecia Areata - an autoimmune disease! Who knew?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I made a discovery today and I just wanted to pass it on in case others are in the same position. When asked if anyone in the family had an autoimmune disease I have always said no. I do have a second cousin with MS, but I considered this to be far enough away not to be counted. (Maybe I'm wrong?)
Anyway, I'm seeing the dermatologist on Thursday and, after listening to Dr Goldstein's video, have just found out that alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. I do remember, in the 1950s/1960s, that my mum developed a round area of baldness on her head and had to go to the hospital for treatment. On reading about the symptoms, I do think that this was alopecia areata. Her hair did, eventually, grow back. So, if I'm asked about autoimmune diseases again, I think I will say yes.
0 likes, 3 replies
Wero Cheetah
Posted
have an under active thyroid and another skin condition called Morphia which
is also an autoimmune issue. About 18 months ago, I lost a patch of hair about
the width of a walnut. It regrew eventually but it grew back completely white.
About 10 months later Another patch appeared in a different area of my head.
This time I saw my GP who did not mention Autoimmune conditions but
agreed it was probably stress. It never occured to me that it was related to
other conditions. The latest area is now growing back, also white which is very
strange. I wonder if anyone else has or has had this experience. I also have an
issue with my nails at the moment. They are very soft and flakey. I have to keep
them very short otherwise they just peel away.
Cheetah Wero
Posted
I would definitely mention it to your consultant, whenever you see him/her again, Wero. After waiting three months for my dermatology appointment, the clinic was cancelled! I hope I don't have to wait another three months! Take care.
maggie27191 Cheetah
Posted
Yes I think its very related to auto immune problems.
Maggie x