Hey Everyone!

I'm new to the whole alopecia thing, and I've notice several changes to my body beyond hair loss. I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing anything similar, or if they have any advice. 

1) My cuts seem to take FOREVER to heal. Does anyone else have this problem? I also find my colds and allergies are worse than normal.

2) My nails and cuticles are flaky and a mess. The also become infected very easily. Does this happen to anyone else?

3) This one is a bit icky, but I'm having lots of ingrown hairs, especially in regions that don't see a lot of exposure (bikini zone, stomach, and feet). Can anyone recommend anything? I'm using Bikini Zone, but it's pricey and I'm going through way too much to stave off the itching. 

Thanks for all your help!

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Great advice Joanne!

Hey there Lady HIlla!

I have au. In doing research for Boldly Bald Women (the Amazon Best Seller book I wrote as a guide for women struggling with the emotional and social impacts of hair loss), I discovered that fingernail cells are made out of the same substance as hair cells. It is very common for finger and toe nails to be effected during a flare up of alopecia. My experience has been intermittent with nail problems. Nails can be fine for a long while and then suddenly start flaking off in sheets. splitting lengthwise as well.Applying a nail hardener during those flare ups prevents pain and further damage. Eventually they just seem to clear up on their own. I take vitamins and supplements but the cyclic problem with nails doesn't seem to be impacted at all.

As far as infections, I would get yeast infections on my scalp when I wore wigs. The damp warmth is a perfect environment for them. Since I stopped wearing wigs I have no more problems with that at all.

Extended healing times are one symptom diabetes. Diabetes is diagnosed via a blood test. You said you are getting regular blood tests, so I would think the docs would have already screened you for that.

If you are interested in learning more about the wisdom of the twenty five women from Alopecia World who shared their stories in Boldly Bald Women, or if you would like to register for instant access to a free download of: "Getting Past the Pain - Three Things You Need to Know,"  please click BoldlyBaldWomen.com 

The energy in your search for knowledge and understanding is heartwarming.

Sincerely,

Pam Fitros

My nails have always curled, been very very soft, and irregular formed. I do have alopecia universalis,and have had since childhood. Funny, my toe nails have always been perfect, stronger, and I have never had issues with. Problem with Universalis is I don't notice flare up unless it's internal, as I do feel like a pendulum at times. I encourage all people who either have, or know someone who has been affected by alopecia to read Pam's Book. It's well done! :) 

Today I saw an eye specialist, because my eyes have been affecting me for a while now, and he said I suffer from chronic dry eyes, and said the fact I don't have eye lashes definitely has contributed to it. It was great to finally have a doctor comment that the alopecia is a factor , as most still think it's purely a cosmetic issue. He highly recommended using eye drops to lubricate the eyes frequently. I wanted to mention this as even in my 40+ yrs of universalis is experiencing something new.

Blessings <3

Thanks, Willow for the recommendation for Boldly Bald Women. It is so lovely to receive positive feedback from contributors.Willow is one of the twenty five women from Alopecia World who shared their stories for the express purpose of helping women work through the pitfalls we all face with hair loss.

I have had less problems with toe nails than finger nails as well - just some lining - not much different from the lines I've seen on toenails as people age. Thanks for the tip on  eye drops, Willow...I wonder if the product so heavily advertised in the US called Restasis would be helpful. It's a prescription product, but apparently it doesn't have to be used as often as regular eye drops. You are right - we're always learning something new!

I have that as well. I would love to chat! feel free to private message me!

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