[scaredandconfused]

My hair is falling out like crazy from the meds and everything else. The dermatologist said I would be bald in 5 years So my question is what do I do from here? Should I just shave it off now..and buy a wig...It is so gross and yucky I hate it!!! Do you think I could find a beautician that is willing 2 work with what I have? Are their beauticians that specialize in that?

TIA
Marti

 

[Katharine]

Hi Marti :hug:

I really don't know a lot about this as I don't have the same problems you do but I don't think I'd go shaving all your hair off just yet. Your dermatologist may well be wrong - wouldn't be the first time a doc is - your treatment may stabilise, be improved... and you may find that your hair is growing back rather than falling out.

I think that if you find a GOOD hairdresser they can do a lot to hide the effects with a good cut. I would certainly try that first.

There should be others along soon with more concrete advice as I know many have been affected by this type of problem.

hugs :grouphug2:
Katharine

 

[onetay]

marti,
If you have a place you go often to have your hair done just go there and ask if there is someone there that can help you with a hair style that will help you look better. Often times they are more than willing to help you out. There are shampoo's that thicken the look of the hair you have left that might help. I would not cut all my hair off as it might start to grow back, there is always that chance. I was lucky and born (and kept) more hair than one person needs on one head lol. When I started loosing my hair it just really helped me a little cause now I have just the right amount other than a few spots if you part it right. When the time comes I would look into a wig, there are some real nice ones and they can almost match your hair. You will be the hotest girl at the party, your party so to speak. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Pink Pearl]

Hi Marti,
You haven't said what your stylist has recommended. Before I shaved my hair I would call a beauty school and talk to one of the instructors and see what they might have for suggestions. A wig is always an option, but I would see what else was out there first.

At one point along my journey with sle, I lost a good portion of my hair. I have always had thick hair and my scalp was visible as I had lost so much hair. Eventually it grew back, not as thick as before, but good. Age can make hair thinner too so I chalk it up to that.

I would seek a consult from people who deal with hair and see what they have going. Getting your lupus under control will help a lot, so be patient if you can. Buy a wig if you can't.
Good luck,
Sally

 

[Swizzle]

Don't shave your head yet!!!

It may just be a side effect from the medication - if they can get your disease under control and they can start to reduce the dosage then your hair should grow back. Mine started falling out in clumps but as soon as they cut my dosage of Prednisone down to 5mg daily (from 15mg daily - gradually though) it is growing back. I had thin hair to start with so I didn't need to lose a lot before it was obvious.

I really hope this sorts out for you.

 

[scaredandconfused]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies I went and got my hair cut today. She couldn't believe how thin my hair was...however...she loved loved loved my crazy curls...she cut my hair short and managed 2 make the curls look bigger so it tends to hide everything falling out. Thanks so much for all your advice.

 

[ATS]

hi marti, i'm glad your stylist could help you with your hair. mine used to fall out like mad when i was in high school, i was so embarrassed! keep in mind, the dermatologist could be wrong. i was told i'd have huge scars all over my face from my malar rash, but there's absolutely NOTHING there now that anyone can see. so keep your hopes up! and as said above, there are wigs that are totally amazing and not too expensive out there on the market also, in case your hair really starts to come out sometime.

xo a

 

[cuteynblue72]

Hello. I also had hair loss on my right side only but after I had mentioned it to the doctors they did a thyroid test on me and along with the Lupus I had a underactive thyroid. I then started on synthroid and my hair started growing back. I would ask your doctor about checking this out before you shave your head. Good Luck to you and I hope you don't fret to much over this like I did. There has to be a reason for this to be happening whether it be your medications or another problem. Thanks for listening and I hope this helps. Laurie

 

[dixy]

hello
my hair also started falling out went all wispy. Found a home hairdresser she does my hair every 4 weeks and its started thickening up. I think if your hair gets to bad they can do some sort of weave to add more hair Ive seen it done on the telly for cancer patients. Looked really natural
Take care Dixy