Bald patch on DD head

[sleepfortheweek]

I've not long noticed a bald spot on DDs (7) head. It's just south of her crown, and about the size of a 2p, maybe a tad bigger.

I've been trying to get an appointment with the doctor but you have to phone at 8.30 for an appointment that day (can't make future appointments) but they are very understaffed and I've been unsuccessful every day!! Just get told to try back the next day 😰.

I'm worrying a little bit. Could it be alopecia? Will it grow back? Will more fall out?

She's got very thick hair so it's hard to see it (at the moment) but I'm worried this is the start of something worse.

Anyone experienced something like this?

DD doesn't know, I don't want to mention it too far in advance of seeing a doctor.

I've not noticed her hair falling out dramatically when brushing/washing it and there isn't lots of hair on her pillow etc.

Tight ponytail/plaits?

Could she be pulling her own hair out?

Did she ever cut her scalp? I have a tiny bald spot right on the back of my head from where I split my scalp open as a toddler and had to have it glued.

Does she suffer with dandruff at all? I had this and it turned out to be scalp psoriasis causing it

Ringworm? Try an anti fungal maybe?

Dc lost hair in patches it turned out to be coeliac disease. It grew back once on an appropriate diet. Dc did have other symptoms too.

No dandruff or signs of scaly/irritated skin. I've not noticed her pulling her hair either (this is a bad habit of mine!). She does wear her hair in a tight bun occasionally for dancing but this isn't that often and isn't really in keeping with where the bald spot is (I tried to upload a picture but it's not letting me!)

She did have a fall about 4 years ago resulting in a small head injury which needed glued but I don't think this is the same area and I haven't ever noticed the bald spot before which I think I would have as she's had nits a couple do times since literally been through her hair with a fine tooth comb!

What other symptoms?

Tired all the time, mouth ulcers, loose stools, occasionally vomiting and generally being run down. The hair loss was actually when the gp finally listened to me and did some blood tests which found low iron levels and positive coeliac disease.

Finally got an appointment with the doctor and he's certain it's alopecia areata. He's given me a leaflet and she's been prescribed cream to apply twice a day. I'm hoping it's just one patch but I'm aware that there might be more appear over time 😔

I'm sorry you and your little girl are going through this. It is a pretty common problem, but very distressing. I had one patch appear a few years ago - it regrew and touch wood I haven't had any more hair loss. I did a lot of reading & went to a dermatologist who specialises in hair loss & was told that if I didn't get another patch within 12 months then the prognosis for the long term (in terms of not experiencing more patches in the long term) was good.

It may have had no impact at all but on the basis that it can be an inflammatory reaction, I took probiotics to support my gut health.

I hope you see some regrowth soon. The regrowth is often white and fluffy but then the colour and normal texture come in. Fingers crossed.

Any updates please?

Hi - my DDs hair grew back and (fingers crossed) we haven't had another patch occur