I have a 7 yr old who was diagnosed with ringworm in 10/07 because of rash on her upper thigh and bald spot on head. She was treated with antifungal oral medication. Then again in 10/08 I noticed another bald spot on her head and her pediatrician referred us to a pediatric dermotologist. This doctor diagnosed her with alopecia and started her on drops I apply to the area 2x a day. We returned on 1/16/09 for followup and she has since developed another spot and the previous one is growing in size. This time our dr. suggested Rogaine and to try the topical cream of the medication we have already been using it is still not working. I am am very concerned my daughter has such beautiful hair and it is heart wrenching and scary when I brush her hair and clumps of her hair come out. Has anyone ever encountered this and does anyone know of any specialist in the Dallas area you can refer us to. Thanks for your help.
Thanks for the responses everyone I appreciate it and will keep you posted!
Can her Dr. retreat the ringworm? It sounds like that never got resolved completely.
I would be happy to see you for a second opinion! I do very large amount of pediatrics in my practice!
We are the Good Morning Texas dermatology experts - the web site is geared more to cosmetics, but about 60-70% of our practice is general dermatology.
Hope I can help!
P.,
I just don't know enough about this issue to tell you what to do, but I think if the hair is coming out in clumps, I would see a pediatric endocrinologist to rule out hormonal or vitamin deficiencies. I Googled hair loss in children (I hated that you hadn't gotten any responses), and it seemed most answers point to ringworm or vitamin B12 or biotin deficiency.
You might also try to find a reputable health food store (the ones that are not chains tend to be staffed with more knowledgeable people) and speak to someone there. They may be able to recommend products or supplements that could help. I'm so sorry this is happening to your daughter! It must be a little scary for both of you and very disturbing. I just keep thinking it must be a nutritional or hormonal deficiency. I'm sure she is a healthy girl, but if her body isn't processing nutrients correctly, perhaps that is at the root of the problem. I wish you the best in finding the right answer.
wow! that is sooo sad about your daughter's hair! Presbyterian hospital in dallas has a dr named DR HERNDON that is good. You should look it up on yellowpages.com to see what his # is. I hope she gets better! I have a 9yr old girl and a 6 yr old son but I couldnt imagine how scary that would be!
P.,
I once knew a lady whose daughter had alopecia and at that time she said there was no cure, that eventually her daughter's hair would grow back. That was about 7 or 8 years ago. In the mean time the mother got very creative with hats, scarves, wigs etc. I cannot imagine how this must make you feel, and especially your little girl. I hope that you can find a doctor who can help you and that you all can get through this trial. Take care.
Hey P.,
Before you do anything else but very sure to have the doc run a full complete blood panel. They need to rule out any and all medical problems. Best of luck.
P. I am 32 years old and had the same thing happen to me when I was 29-30. Treating the spots locally will help the hair grow back faster, but there is not a current treatment for Alopecia I spent thousands of dollars seeing different doctors. The only thing that worked for me was COQ10 an over the counter supplement you can buy at CVS. I do not know why it worked or if your daughter can take it, but you do need bloodwork completed on your daughter to rule out any other medical issues. Best of luck to you, I know it is fustrating and heartbreaking but her hair will grow back it just takes time. K.
