Saw Dermatologist today for thinning edges

[kisz4tj]

She called it traction alopecia. I'm not so sure about that though. For 2-3 years I had a very short cut so it wasn't worn pulled back at that time and prior to that I wore a doobie every day so it was worn down.
She gave me cortizone shots on one side of my scalp and a prescription for a solution. I'll see her again in a month.

I asked her about a scalp biopsy and she was against it and when I persisted she suggested I get a second opinion - geez.

 

[Tracy]

I hate dermatologists - they really don't give you any explanations at all....they just give you stuff to take/spray/apply and tell you to come so they can see if it's working. It all seems very trial and error to me

I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience.

 

[sylviaetc]

did you tie your hair with a scarf at night? because even with short hair, if you tie the scarf around your edges too tight during the night it pulls as you toss and turn...
and the traction alopecia could have started before you cut your hair short...

 

[kisz4tj]

Oh the hair loss definitely started before I cut my hair short, but as far as me giving my hair a rest I would figure 2-3 yrs would be sufficient time for it to grow back.

She never stated why she's against the biopsy I just wanted definitive answers and thought that would be the best route instead of this guess and wait game.

 

[Dejuan42]

did the cortisone shorts work

 

[lunalight7]

Kisz,
Sorry about your experience. I agree w/ Tracy. These folks really dont have diagnoses to offer...just general names for a large number of symptoms, and it is about trial and error w/ them. Did the shots hurt? I had one once for an allergic reaction and my hiney hurt for days afterwards!

 

[cutebajangirl]

I really don't see why she wouldn't do a biopsy. Because the shots won't work if the follicles are dead. PM me if you want the name of my derm.

 

[kisz4tj]

Hey All,

The shots didn't hurt at all, the first few ones I couldn't even really feel but I knew she was injecting me. As far as them working it's too soon to tell I think. I should have asked her when I might see results. She did say it as a 50/50 success rate.

Cutebajangirl, I really have no idea why she didn't want to do the biopsy. When she suggested the shot I kinda of winched then when I suggested the biopsy she said if I'm cringing over the shots I definitely would not be able to handle a biopsy which involves cutting and stitching. And when I persisted saying that I wanted answers she said well maybe you should seek a second opinion. So I just decided to take the shot for the moment and I would seek a second opinion, but I am scheduled to see her again in a month.

Please pm me with your derm info, I'll have to see if they'll take my insurance. Thanks.

 

[sylviaetc]

you know what, it just occured to me that the reason she wouldn't do the biopsy yet may have something to do with your insurance... it's usually like that... she may have pne of those deals with insurance companies that pay doctors a stipend if they don't do too many procedures; something like that i heard on the news. or she might be aware of the fact that your insurance won't cover the biposy until less exspensive measures are taken. you should see if your insurance is structured that way...

 

[AmilLion]

[ QUOTE ]
I hate dermatologists - they really don't give you any explanations at all....they just give you stuff to take/spray/apply and tell you to come so they can see if it's working. It all seems very trial and error to me

I'm sorry you didn't have a great experience.

[/ QUOTE ]

A large majority of medicine is trial and error that's why it's called a PRACTICE......you never know what each situation may bring. FYI, Syndromes and symptoms is nothing but a "professional" way to cover up, we do not have a clue as to what the hell is the problem. Ur exhibiting symptoms we've seen before, but we don't know what the problem is. We'll try everything that has worked with similiar situations and hope it works for ur problem.

 

[chica]

My mother has suffered extensive hair loss from "dead follicles." She saw many dermatologists but the prognosis was ultimatelt the same. If your scalp is damaged to the point where the follicles are "dead," hair will not likely emerge from them ever again. If it is a case of temporary damage, it could be addressed with some prospect for success.

 

[Dejuan42]

how do you know if your follicles are dead. also does anyone know if you will permanently lose hair in spots you have scabs or bleeding on the scalp

 

[kisz4tj]

I'm going to see another Derm, if it's permanent I want a hair transplant

 

[karezone]

If the spot were the hair used to be is shiny then then the follicles are dead. If it is dull and appears to have like large pores, then it is okay.

 

[melodee]

Be careful w/ the cortizone shots. My derm told me they discontinued the shots b/c they could potentially cause other long term problems.