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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Alopecia Areata
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Alopecia Areata
by kmc35, May 03, 2005 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a couple of years ago and have been treating it with Synthroid. Recently, I noticed a bald patch on the side of my head about the size of a small plum. My doctor said it's related to Hashimoto disease, the same auto-immune disorder that causes my hypothyroid. I plan on seeing a dermatologist about this, but, in the meantime, I am desparate to get my hair highlighted. The dyes used in highlighting do not touch the scalp. Is this a safe? Please say yes! Also, can daily washing and blow drying promote more bald spots?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 04, 2005 12:00AM
, May 04, 2005 12:00AM
Yes!
You probably have alopecia areata. The vast majority of people with this rather common disease do not have Hashimoto's thyroiditis or any other systemic disease. The hair grows back in a few months without treatment in most cases (though it may happen again some day.) By all means have a dermatologist check you out, but in the meantime, hair care is anything you want to do.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
You probably have alopecia areata. The vast majority of people with this rather common disease do not have Hashimoto's thyroiditis or any other systemic disease. The hair grows back in a few months without treatment in most cases (though it may happen again some day.) By all means have a dermatologist check you out, but in the meantime, hair care is anything you want to do.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (4)
by rlc, May 28, 2005 12:00AM
I also have autoimmune thyroiditis, and have just recently noticed that I also have Alopecia Areata. Just a coincidence?
by kmc35, Jun 02, 2005 12:00AM
I wonder if it could be related to the medication (Synthroid). What are you taking?
by rlc, Jun 05, 2005 12:00AM
I just read that alopecia areata is found in association with autoimmune thyroiditis.
