Alopecia Areata - 11 year old girl

[PeaceLoveAndCandy]

Re-posting here for traffic

Hairdresser noticed a small bald patch; just took DD to GP, he said there's nothing to do for now but to observe, and return in 2 months or so if patch gets bigger.

He wouldn't refer to blood tests.

I am worried sick.

Is there anything I can do? Should I insist on blood tests? Are there any supplements that might help?

Usually you need blood tests if there is general hair loss i.e. Thinning, can be a sign of thyroid/iron problems etc. Alopecia usually has no cause or sometimes linked with stressful situations, so I agree blood tests aren't appropriate.
Nice guidelines say to try steroid cream if the hair loss is extensive, I sometimes give these for even small patches but usually it doesn't do much. Chances are within a year the hair will be back. Nothing really works, even things dermatologists can try.

Link to nice guidelines:
cks.nice.org.uk/alopecia-areata

(GP)

I'm sorry this is happening to your daughter .
Is she stressed or allergic to anything?
My ds had two/three bald patches when he was a toddler. He was intolerant to many things and prob very stressed (unsettled home-life - divorces now!)
The hair did grow back. Although I think maybe as white hair as he does have two white patches now although hardly noticeable.