Alopecia/hair loss

[Craniac3]

Can a dermatologist do anything for alopecia/hair loss? Before I spend the money for an out-of-service provider, wonder if he can actually do/prescribe anything, or if I'm just as well off using Nioxin, taking Biotin, multivitamin, and sublingual B12?

[shaerich]

Alopecia can be treated with cortozone shots, I believe.  I don't know how effective they are, or how expensive, etc.  

Can't you find a dermatologist in network to bring the cost down?

[Craniac3]

I doubt I could find one in network. I live on Cape Cod and there is a doctor shortage here right now. We have only 3 endos on the whole Cape, and maybe 6 derms. I like my guy. I've been with him longer than I've had this insurance, and will probably still have him long after I change jobs/insurance in the future.

Do they put the cortizone shots in your scalp? That would really hurt. I think I'll live with the alopecia... !!!

~partially bald but painfree, Michelle :-)

[ChitChatNine]

My daughter at the young age of 4 had recurring bouts of alopecia which were quite significant.  That was 12 yrs ago but here is what we were told back then:

Potent Cortisone cream can be applied topically (ain't cheap but worth a try) for about 3 mos .. that is how long it takes for regrowth.  The Dermatologist told us back then that "IF" the hair is going to grow back it will do so either a) on its own; b) faster with cortisone shots; c) topical inbetween and that one must keep in mind the cortisone is more to hasten things along vs. regrowth on its own.

That being said, perhaps (depending on size of area affected) your endo or primary will script the cream for you first b4 shots ?

C~

[Craniac3]

I'll run it by my primary care first. She's pretty open to trying stuff. I just bombarded the poor thing with all my questions last week. I think I overwhelmed her, but she did say it was great that I was reading and learning online. I'm having a couple of imaging tests over the next 2 weeks, so when she calls with results, I'll hit her with the cortizone cream. I think it may be growing back in, but I've also read that if alopecia goes on too long, it can't be reversed, so I'm getting nervous!

[ChitChatNine]

It took my dd a minimum of 3 mos for ea. patch to regrow using the steroid creams and it started with very very vague peach fuzz to look for!!!

C~