Alopecia in a 12 Y/o Girl

There is a young tween model who is bald due to alopecia. I just saw her in some magazine but cannot remember what it was. She thinks bald is beautiful and is getting some recognition for standing up and out for herself. Maybe if you Google it you'll find something. Your friend's daughter might like to see a peer dealing with this so gracefully and powerfully.
My brother has a severe case of alopecia and has lost all hair on his body. It was hard for him in his 20s as he was very handsome and had gorgeous hair. But you're right, for a guy it's a little easier. I've had it very mildly since I was 21. What I understand of it and what I know for me personally is that it is directly related to stress levels, at least for my brother and myself. Things that have helped me are exercise, meditation (though I have a tough time with this!), acupuncture and journaling. It struck me when I was getting out of college and had to actually figure out what I was going to do with my life. It resurges when I'm out of whack a bit and feeling anxious about work, life, etc. Auto-immune illnesses can definitely be triggered by such things. For me, I feel there is a direct connection though this may not be the case for everyone. Is this girl feeling stressed about school, her social situation, something at home? Finding ways to help her de-stress and manage her feelings, feel empowered (journaling is a great and easy way to do both and good for a 12 year old as is exercise), know she can handle whatever changes are coming her way -- all this will hopefully help her condition, but even if not, it will make her happier and more secure in her life as it is. A win-win. I wish her the best of luck. It is a tough thing to go through. I hope she comes out of it more secure in herself and with all her hair back in place!

did you check out wigs for kids? I've donated hair there a few times, and I know they work with kids with alopecia.

best to you

We have dealt with this in school before and aside from the great websites out there with information, I would suggest that maybe you talk to your friend about talking to the school counselor. The counselor in our school purchased some books about alopecia, and offered to do sensitivity training with all of the students in the building. It took the mystery out of it for the kids and helped them access their empathy.
It is wonderful that you are supporting your friend and her child!
God bless,
Christi

Hi J.,

Alopecia is believed to be an auto immune response. There are ways to build the immune system and there are also ways to prevent bacteria caused (because the immune system is low) hair loss. This condition falls in the same family as vitiligo (which my daughter once had) and ulcerative colitis (that I grew up with). My UC is gone and my daughter's vitiligo has been arrested. Detoxing a home, regular chiropractic care, absorbable nutrition and exercise are critical. I can go thru everything that I did in detail if you're interested. It can be simple once you understand the first piece of the puzzle.

God bless,

M.

I have Alopecia, and have had it since I was 7. It started out for me just as spot and now after having my second son (I'm 27) I have lost all of my hair all over my body. I found a great website, Alopeciaworld.com. It is going to be hard on her yes but if she is well informed on what is happening to her then she can express this to her peers more freely. My oldest son is 4 and actually got upset at school b/c his friends would call me "No Hair", so he decided that he wanted to talk to all of his friends about it and they have stopped calling me that or asking me about it. Make sure your friend informs her daughters teacher, principal, nurse, and counciler just incase she needs someone to go to. Also make sure you dont make a big deal out of it, she is the same person just with a little less hair. I shaved my head 3 months ago and I still mourn my hair, I'm not accepting any treatment for the lose for personal reasons which is hard for people to understand but it is ok with me. Good Luck to your friend and her gorgeous daughter.