Hair loss has few treatments, but emotional consequences

January 4, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with alopecia universalis. I saw my family doctor and three different dermatologists. They ran a few different tests, but nothing came up.

I realize this is not a death sentence, but it has affected my life in every which way. I did buy a wig, but that is only covering up the problem.

If you have any medical advice on this topic, I would greatly appreciate it. I guess I should mention that I am a 53-year-old woman, basically in good health.
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Are stress and baldness linked?

August 28, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My son has a bald spot on the back of his head. His doctor said it was stress-related alopecia. His hair grew back and his scalp was normal, but the bald spot reappeared, bigger, and is lasting much longer. So his doctor told him to buy Rogaine.

Am I correct that now he should see a dermatologist? I don’t think he’s stressed.

DEAR READER: I’m not all that sure your son suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. In most cases, with the various types of alopecia, hair falls out in small patches about the size of a quarter. [Read more...]

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