HELP - my toddler's hair is falling out, alopecia areata????

Anonymous
My 2 yr old's hair has suddenly started falling out in large clumps. Pediatrician ruled out ringworm, and thinks it is alopecia areata and wants us to see a pediatric dermatologist. Does anyone have any experience with this in their own child? Anyone have any recommendations for a specialist? My husband and I are really upset and want to get our child to see someone that is recommended before it gets worse. TIA.
Anonymous
I have no helpful advice, but one of my best friends growing up had it, and didn't 'suffer' socially one whit. Adorable girl, with fabulous hair..when she could be bothered to wear it!!
Anonymous
OP here, I am desperate. I can't get any of the doctors my ped recommended until Sept!!! Does anyone have any recs, please please please!!!
Anonymous
Have you tried Dr. Ho Jin Kim on Greensboro Dr. in McLean? He specializes in pediatrics.
Anonymous
I'm sorry this is happening. Having BTDT with my pre-teen last year, I really feel for you - it is alarming when this happens.

My child's alopecia occurred after a severe bout with the flu, and I took DC to the dermatologist, who diagnosed it as AA and gave DC some steroid (cortisone) shots in the scalp. He gave us an Rx-strength cream to rub on the spot.

Although we followed his advice, I was highly skeptical, because although I was concerned about the AA, I was more concerned about my child's whacked-out immune system, i.e. the underlying cause of this autoimmune response (which the dermatologist was not at all interested in discussing). I therefore pursued alternative medicine, which involved the practitioner prescribing some food-sensitivity tests (and eliminating certain foods) and us strengthening his immune system via certain supplements.

My child's hair has grown back - you would never know DC had had alopecia - and while I'll never know whether it was the result of the alternative treatment, regardless, he is in great health and his immune system is definitely functioning better now than it had been.

Here are some links for you - be forewarned that a conventional MD is unlikely to give much credence to the food sensitivity/alopecia connection because the mainstream medical community does not view delayed-reaction (IgG-mediated as opposed to IgE-mediated) allergies as bona fide allergies:

http://www.hairlossclinic.com.au/articles/Alopecia-areata-in-children.html

http://www.childrensalopeciaproject.org/cap/

This is the one that got me thinking about the role of food:

http://www.steinorthopedic.com/pdf/alopecia-areata.pdf

(((hugs))) to you. It will be ok, really it will.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:OP here, I am desperate. I can't get any of the doctors my ped recommended until Sept!!! Does anyone have any recs, please please please!!!


I had this months-long wait proposition when I (thought I) needed a ped. dermatologist a few years ago. I ended up taking DD to a general dermatologist who also treats children. We had a less mysterious condition to identify and treat, but it may help you to hear it was a good experience. I think the Dr's name was Sheldon Gottlieb, with offices in Foggy Bottom and Bethesda.
Anonymous
14:14 here - if you are interested in pursuing the naturopathic route, you can find a naturopath using this website:

http://www.naturopathic.org/
Anonymous
No experience w/ AA, but I second the rec for Dr. Ho Jin Kim in McLean-- he is fantastic! After seeing three doctors at our ped's office who had no idea what was causing my DD's rash, he diagnosed her right away. He then took the time to answer all my questions and explain everything to me. He also took us within two days or so when I called. (Although that might have been pure luck.) Good luck!
Anonymous
I had it as a preteen. Didn't enjoy the shots in the head. It did go away, and I have beautiful hair now.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:No experience w/ AA, but I second the rec for Dr. Ho Jin Kim in McLean-- he is fantastic! After seeing three doctors at our ped's office who had no idea what was causing my DD's rash, he diagnosed her right away. He then took the time to answer all my questions and explain everything to me. He also took us within two days or so when I called. (Although that might have been pure luck.) Good luck!


I third Dr. Kim. He's a kind and gentle man, and very knowledgeable.
Anonymous
OP here, thank you for all the responses and support. I have an appointment with Dr. Kim on Friday so hopefully we will get some answers soon.
Anonymous
I am going through the same thing- my baby just turned 2 and his hair is also falling out- it is heartbreaking. Our appt isn't until the end of June. Ridiculous huh? Have you been able to get in any sooner?
Anonymous
there is so much on this internet and so many diff opinions that I don't know what to do for him. I am thinking about trying one of the all natural herbel remedies, but am still afraid of the side effects and afraid that it might make the condition worse. Does anyone know any good websites with statisics on them especially for children?
Anonymous
Try Dr Cohen at John's Hopkins. We use him not for AA but for other skin issues
Anonymous
My 3-year-old daughter has alopecia areata. I took her to see 3 dermatologist, including a hair specialist. Initially, they gave me a topical gel to rub on the bald patches, but it made her skin break out in a itchy rash. Then, they told me they can do a series of steroid injections, but were apprehensive because of her age. I decided to leave it alone and allow it to take its course. I'm very nervous when it comes to drugs like steroids. She is still currently losing her hair, but it hasn't effected her in any other way--she is still a happy and healthy child. Hopefully, in due time, it will correct itself.

Good luck to you and your little one! If you believe in GOD, then know that HE is the cure for everything :o)
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