Hi, My name is Rachel, I'm 21 and was just recently diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. I started noticing the hair loss in August. I was having several health issues at the time so we figured it was an underlying symptom. I had several lab work and blood tests done. My throid was normal, and nothing stood out except a Vitamin D defiancy. So, my doctor suggested Alopecia, and sent me to a dermatloogist who diagnosed me on the spot. I have lost quite a bit of hair, I was diagnosed with Areata but Universalis hasn't been ruled out. I lost all of my "private hair", and my eyelashes have recently started falling out. I still have some hair on my head, but not much. I cut my hair short, and most of it seems to be falling out at the front and working it's way back.

I try extremely hard to cover it up, I got an extreme bang cut, so I can comb all my hair forward and cover up my bald spot, but I don't know how much longer I'll be able too. I'm embrassed. I got made fun of at work, by a co-worker. Although, she doesn't know, it still really bothered me. I have told some friends, but I haven't advertised it by any means. I usually keep a lot of emotions to myself, but the other day I broke down and cried in my mom's arms. I was prescribed Clobetasol shampoo and solution and the shampoo just seems to make it worse, when I get out of the shower and brush me hair, I have handfuls of hair. I know, it sounds superficial, but I took great pride in my hair. I loved doing my hair up, and I used to have different feather extensions in all the time. Every piece of hair that falls out, I feel like I'm losing a piece of myself. I really don't know where to go from here. I have another appointment in a couple of weeks, and they're going to see if they want to send me to a hair loss specialist or not. But, I just feel like I'm sitting here, in the meantime, watching my hair fall out.

However, I am happy I have some answers, instead of playing the guessing and waiting game with the doctor's. I am trying to stay positive, and for the most part I am. But, I can't say that I have my days when looking in the mirror is an extraordinary task for me.