Alopecia hereditary?

Hi I have alopecia areata universalis. I got it suddenly at the age of 28. I went from having a full head of thick long hair to nothing in about 3 weeks. I also lost my eyebrows, eyelashes etc over the next few months. I don't remember ever having any bald patches growing up, but I did have very thick hair. Finally to my question, this morning I was blow drying my 10 year old's hair (since she is 10, she does her hair most of the time) and I found a round bald spot on the back of her head approx 1 inch in diameter. I felt like I was going to vomit. I didn't say anything to her, just got her off to school and came home and cried. Do any of you have children that also have alopecia? Any thoughts? I don't plan on saying anything to her unless she notices. Thanks, Alicia

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Comment by Tracey on October 4, 2012 at 8:31pm

I understand that if a person is an adult at onset, they are typically the first in their family to have alopecia present itself, and that, yes, it can be hereditary, and that it usually starts in youth for secondary generations. HOWEVER, this is just what I've been able to glean since I was diagnosed last year (first in my family) and have since been fretting about my 10 year old's chances. I am not expert!! It pains me to read this story, but I see that Alicia's daughter is blessed with a strong mom who will be able to support her wherever this path leads (or doesn't lead). I will be thinking the best of thoughts for you both.

Comment by Casey on October 26, 2012 at 9:54pm

There is a genetic link, I think the actually found the genes for it now. However there is hope your daughter just has AA and it may go back or she may respond well the treatments. Best thing you can do right now is be a good role model for her!

Comment by Alicia Mengel on October 26, 2012 at 11:40pm
Update: I was able to get my daughter into the dermatologist very quickly and he confirmed that it is AA. He advised to either try shots or a topical steroid lotion. Hailee chose the lotion and i have been apply it twice daily for 2 weeks and twice every other day for a week. It already appears that there is some new growth. (In almost 4 years I've had zero regrowth). Her attitude is really positive and even though we got few answers at the dermatologist's (he readily admitted that I probably know more about alopecia than he does) she was reassured that I took her and she met with a doctor.
I am not blaming myself. Ironically, I was reluctant to have another child after I was diagnosed, and my oldest daughter who was born 6 years prior to me getting alopecia is the one who had it land on her head!
Comment by Tallgirl on October 26, 2012 at 11:51pm

See my old blogs and discussions on this.

Information on Alopecia

These two articles cover most of the bases on our questions:

Genetic basis of alopecia areata -- one of most common causes of ...

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630132744.htm

Jun 30, 2010 – ScienceDaily: Your source for the latest research news and science ... "Finding the initial genes underlying alopecia areata is a big step forward ...

Alopecia Areata…

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Added by Tallgirl on July 8, 2012 at 12:26pm — No Comments

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