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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
hair loss
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.

hair loss

by thunder2, Dec 28, 2002 12:00AM
i recently had a cervical injury from a car accident and was
diagosed to have a cervical injury.the othopedic sergeon told me if he opperates i would have a stiff neck. He referred me to the
pain managment clinic where i received three eoidorals with
kenalog and a radiofrequency injection.Since the proceedures i
l have lost most of my hair and what is left is white and my beard  turned white like (overnight).my whole family is in shock at my appearance,I look like i,m 90 yrs old.My DR.states nothing he did could have caused this drastic change that makes me question the side effects from the drugs used for the type
of prceedure. We are all concernd about this. Wtll My hair go back? any information will help. Thank You
                                          Thunder
  p.s.
     I look like i have aged 15 yrs              






























.

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 28, 2002 12:00AM
The only condition I know of which can cause rapid hair loss and regrowth of white hair is alopecia areata.  This is a rather common condtion whose cause is unknown.  The body's immune system seems to be attacking the hair follicles, but no one knows why.  Often, the hair grows back, but sometimes it's white when it does.  The color may come back but it isn't certain it will.  Treatment options are of limited use.

I am sorry for being so vague, but that is the way things are with this condition.  You might check out the website: http://www.alopeciaareata.com/.

One thing for sure: this has nothing to do with the injury or the procedures.  You are entitled to be skeptical of this coincidence, but coincidence it is.  (I know that "stress" is often balmed, but that's just speculation.)

If I were you, I would see a dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis, and look into the treatment options.  In the meantime, you should at least consider dyeing your hair.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff
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