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Permalink Reply by Sharon A. on July 26, 2009 at 9:02am

Hi. I had severe asthma as a child, diagnosed at age 12. I was around smokers, my home lacked central air conditioning, I was receiving weekly allergy shots, my dad was in construction so there was a lot of dust in the garage and my bedroom was above the crawlspace which had mold. BUT, my maternal grandfather had alopecia in his 20s...he told me in a note when I was emotionally suffering....not another word was ever said about it. For most of my life I thought stress could not be a factor but in the last few years I think it can. I don't have any real answers for you but I think, in my case, if I was not around so many "allergens" (mold, dust, smoke) perhaps, maybe, this would not have "triggered" my alopecia. Unfortunately, no one knows for sure. As an adult who grew up with alopecia, looking back, the best thing a parent can do is get your kids involving in activities that build up their self-esteem, encourage the kids to be around other children who are kind and moving forward with their life, show your kids other situations that other people have to deal with (poverty, Down's, autism, cerebral palsty) so they know people are challenged by other things as well. And parents, be strong and accepting to alopecia, and your child role model you. I hope my opinion has been helpful!!!

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Permalink Reply by Sharon A. on July 26, 2009 at 9:02am

.....diagnosed with AA at age 12.....oops

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Permalink Reply by Lynn AKA Mom of 2 w/AA on July 26, 2009 at 5:20pm

Hi there Sharon. Thanks for sharing your story. You are right about moving forward and not dwelling on AA as such a problem. My son is super outgoing ~ and my daughter is very shy. My family and I have a friend who is AU ~ no hair anywhere. He has his own business and my son shadowed the guy's job a few times now. My daughter also knows him well, and they know that their AA could be worse. The kids don't really chat about their AA. They are pretty much used to having it and so, I don't make a big deal of it either. It's a house cleaning day here, so I'd better get back to work. Thanks again for your input & take care!

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Permalink Reply by Karen's Wigs on July 27, 2009 at 10:59am

Here's some info about sheetrocking bathrooms to avoid moisture and subsequently mold/mildew.

http://kitchen-remodeling-pictures.com/bathroom-remodel/bathroom-shower-tile/greenboard-drywall.htm

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Permalink Reply by Lynn AKA Mom of 2 w/AA on July 27, 2009 at 10:50pm

Bless your heart Karen!! My husband and I plan to begin remodeling our bathroom, after the beginning of 2010. Thank you soooooooo much :o)

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Permalink Reply by Holly on July 30, 2009 at 12:16am

when I first started losing my hair I searched the web for info or ideas why , I wondered about the mold I really think there is some connection between fungus/mold and aa.

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Permalink Reply by Lynn AKA Mom of 2 w/AA on July 30, 2009 at 12:22am

Yep ~ I read the same thing. That exposure to black mold can cause AA. Also, a research scientist at the National Alopecia Areata Registry had never heard of siblings getting AA within the same month (like my kids). That research scientist also said that more and more factors are pointing to environmental issues causing AA. I just wish they could find the right direction at the registry ~ to find a cure ~ don't we all!!

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Permalink Reply by Karen on August 1, 2009 at 12:32am

I am currently thinking along the same lines as you. I developed AA Oct 08, had almost total regrowth in Feb 09 and now in the process of losing it again (I'm in NZ so it is currently winter - mould season). The funny thing is - my husband now has AA. No blood tie there, weird aye. We live in the same house and eat the same food so we are thinking it must be food or environment. We eat well - a good range of veges so are thinking it's probably not food. Keep us informed on how you get on with your wee ones.

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Permalink Reply by Lynn AKA Mom of 2 w/AA on August 1, 2009 at 11:20am

Hi there Karen! I'm sorry to learn that you and your husband are experiencing A.A. When my daughter got it the first time, at age eight, my husband and I had to wonder if she was exposed to something in the sand at the beach. The beach hadn't been combed yet (just before summer), and the sand was darker than normal ~ but no hazardous warning signs were up at the public beach. Then, last summer both kids got A.A. within the same month. There are oil refineries within a one hour drive from home. Over the years, toxins were accidentially released in to the air (a few different times), and people who live in the same town were told to stay inside as much as possible for a few days, etc. I guess you never know what companies could be releasing into the air we breathe, nor how often companies appropriately report the release of toxins. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area, there are a lot of companies around. As a worried Mommy, I've done a lot of research over the last couple of years. Maybe try a few of these things: 1) Try using Lavendar scented shampoo and cream rinse ~ also consider using Lavendar air fresheners or burning Lavendar candles occassionally (Lavendar is supposed to have a claming effect on the body; 2) Conisder taking Sea Kelp tablets, as it is supposed to stimulate hair growth (my kids are too young for Sea Kelp tablets); 3) Massage each other's scalps nightly (that is also supposed to stimulate hair regrowth); 4) Make sure your are cleaning bathrooms at least once every two weeks with cleaning chemicals; 5) I really believe that 5% Minoxidil works - twice daily - but it can take up to four months to produce results; and 6) I believe the best treatment is the Kenalog injections every four weeks. My daughter is almost in complete remission; and my son's AA does not seem to be getting worse. Take care!

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