Alopecia Areata

I cut my hair yesterday at ProTrim (Compass Point) while CK watched the kids. After the stressful trip to Taiwan, I told him I would like to go for a nice hair cut, some manicure and pedicure, and maybe even a facial or spa. However, I found a bald patch on my scalp the night we came back from Taiwan two nights ago. I was devastated and to be honest, very fearful. Time for medical treatment.

Staged reaction to my new hairdo...

Both my dad and sister had got this problem some time ago. They related their painful experience with treatments that didn't really work and their embarrassment was evident. Besides the damaging effect on their self esteem, the hair loss didn't affect their general health. However, my sister found out she had got cancer soon after that so I couldn't contain my irrational fear. I googled for more information and found a name to my problem - alopecia areata, which essentially means spot baldness. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects hair follicles so it isn't contagious.  

I went to see my GP today about my problem and he assured me it's what I thought it is, nothing more. It's a big patch (according to both the hairdresser and my doctor), 4x3 cm, but fortunately only one patch. My hairdresser, despite her good intentions, was very insensitive and cruel to my plight. She gave me a horrified look before giving me unprofessional advice based on the SEVERITY of my condition. She probably washed her hands a couple of times with Dettol before she handled the next client. Then she ended my ordeal with '... by the way, your hair is very dry... you want to do treatment?' My GP was more helpful. He spoke of the chances of full recovery and the risks of treatments. He assured me that there isn't anything I have done to have caused it and there's little I can do to prevent it from happening. He advised against steroid jabs unless the cream doesn't work. He also told me not to worry and let him tell me if hair is growing in a month's time. I was admit he always makes me feel better with his words - factual and gentle.   

So am I embarrassed and conscious of others' opinions and stares? Yes, of course. I'm praying that my hair grows soon and my existing hair can cover the spot meanwhile. I'm worried that I'll fall under the 20% of the population whose hair loss is permanent and extensive. I am new to this because I've never been so conscious about my hair before. Now, I understood how both my dad and sister had felt then. Yet, I also recognise that others' negative reaction (regardless of intention or purpose) reflects on their ignorance, thoughtlessness and lack of empathy, not on my condition. I still feel it, of course. But, it's like a wound - sometimes it heals completely, sometimes it leaves a scar. That makes me feel a lot better.