Unusual Hair loss

[james]

I'm currently being treated for patches of baldness. I'm only 28 years old and do not have a hereditary history of baldness. My doctor is currently having me use Clobetasol Propionate Topical Solution at night and Clindamycin 1% Top Soln 60ml in the morning. Which one is to cure the hair loss and which one is to get rid of the bacteria?

[Dorothy Crawford]

I have been diagnosed with Lichen Planus.  I have also been told that this is form of apolecia areta.  I am 36 years old and this began at the age of 12.  I have been told that my condition is stabilized for now.  Since I have scarring does this mean that the hair follicles are dead?  I have been treated with Valisone and have discontinued this.  I am not sure if this is alopecia areta or not.  Also, is this hereditary?  I have a daughter and I am concerned for her.

[Cynthia Sickman]

I have very diffuse alopecia (no spots).  Is this type of alopecia usually more severe than the patchy type?  I'm just wondering if I'll eventually, most likely go completely bald.

[Mary]

I have a circular (about the size of a silver dollar), bald spot on the back of my scalp. It doesn't itch or burn, but it has been there for almost a month. Can you help?

[kenneth Grinstead]

I have had patchy hair loss over the past 18 months. My doctor had me take a test which indicated I was within an acceptable range. A dermatologist is treating me with Fluocinonide 0.05% Gel.  He used the term "Alopecia Areta" but didn't say outright that this was my problem.  I have had itchy scalp for sometime. I have used Head and Shoulders shampoo but my barber warned against continueance. Would a treatment for itchy scalp and use of another shampoo be useful?

[WINKA SHERDON]

I AM A 45 YEAR OLD FEMALE THAT HAS SOME KIND OF HAIR LOST AND SOME A LOT OF DRAINAGE FROM THE AREA THE HAIR HAS LOST.THERE ARE SOME LARGE BUMPS THERE TOO MY DOCTOR SAY THAT THIS ANACE

[Paulette]

I too am being treated for hair loss by a dermatologist.  I am female age 47.  My scalp goes through cycles where it is beet red and burns like it is on fire.  Sometimes there are bumps that develop.  Hair loss accompanies these flare ups and since this one has lasted five months, my hair is getting very thin.  I have been using prescription Nizoral shampoo daily, Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% at night and have also been given Cleocin T, but it seemed to make my scalp burn worse, so it was discontinued.  Dr said it was hemorrhagic dermatitits or possibly alopecia.  I also have the autoimmune disease of Hashimoto's thryroiditis (thryoid levels checked 3 months ago are fine).  My scalp burns all the time.  What could this be and what else can I do?  This has happened periodically over the past ten years, but only lasted a couple of weeks at a time--it has never lasted this long...it is driving me crazy!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

James:

I assume that what your doctor is treating is alopecia areata.  The clobetasol is probably intended to help the hair loss, though to be frank it probably won't do very much.  The good news is that alopecia quite often resolves on its own.

Clindamycin is indeed intended for bacteria, but I cannot understand what that have to do with alopecia.  We use clindamycin for acne.  I think you will need to ask your dermatologist to clarify the purpose of the clindamycin.

Best.

Dr. R