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Alopecia Areata

4 replies

TrafficPoster · 08/05/2024 15:42

I’ve had alopecia areata since I was around seven, believed to be triggered by a bereavement. I’m now mid thirties, have never had a spell since where my entire head has been covered in hair but since having my DS four years ago it’s at its worst. I have about 50% of my scalp bald. As anyone with this condition knows it’s horrible, it affects me daily but summer is the worst, because of the placement of my bald patches it’s hard to wear a cap, in winter it’s easier with wooly hats.

I’ve recently read about the new drug accepted by NICE on the NHS. I am so relieved. I know there’s a chance that I won’t be accepted to have it and I’m sure the waiting list for dermatology appointments is really long but I’ve got a doctors appointment and will hopefully get put through for a referral then. I’ve been referred before but the topical treatments didn’t work and I opted out of steroids because I know once you stop the hair falls back out anyway.

I really hope I get it, and I really hope it works but overall I’m just absolutely thrilled that for many people an option is there that wasn’t a year ago. This is a step in the right direction for us all, even if it’s took so long!

OP posts:
Redannie118 · 08/05/2024 15:54

@TrafficPoster My lovely sister has AA, triggered by a cancer diagnosis 13 years ago. What's the name of this drug please? Hope you get what you need from GP.

TrafficPoster · 08/05/2024 16:24

@Redannie118

its called litfulo - if you google it you’ll get lots more information on it. I would recommend a GP appointment soon if she’s interested as the dermatologists waiting list will only go up I think. It’s the first NHS oral treatment available with a much higher success rate compared to other treatments on the NHS available right now.

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Redannie118 · 08/05/2024 17:05

@TrafficPoster that's brilliant I will pass that on thanks.

TrafficPoster · 08/05/2024 19:52

You’re welcome ☺️

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