Hair loss can take its toll mentally

Q. A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with alopecia universalis. I saw my family doctor and three different dermatologists. They ran a few different tests, but nothing came up.

I realize this is not a death sentence, but it has affected my life in every which way. I did buy a wig, but that is only covering up the problem.

If you have any medical advice on this topic, I would greatly appreciate it. I guess I should mention that I am a 53-year-old woman, basically in good health.

A. Alopecia universalis is a condition that causes a total loss of all body and scalp hair. It is the most severe form of alopecia. Other forms include alopecia areata, which causes round patches of hair loss on the scalp and body, and alopecia totalis, which causes a total loss of hair on the scalp only.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders says alopecia areata is considered an autoimmune disorder.

Treatment includes steroid injections under the skin surface, ultraviolet-light therapy and topical corticosteroids. Drugs may be applied topically as well to stimulate hair growth.

Full regrowth of hair may occur, but those with eczema, long-term alopecia or alopecia at a young age may experience permanent hair loss.

The loss of hair, especially for women, can be emotionally upsetting and traumatic. There is little known about the condition and its cause; therefore, few effective treatments are available. Make an appointment with a therapist to work through your feelings and learn ways to cope with your condition. If you can come to accept that there is little you can do and that the condition is not your fault, you may improve your emotional state and quality of life.

You may wish to make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss the condition and keep up on any new treatment options. He or she may also be able to tell you whether there are any clinical trials testing new treatments for which you may qualify. There is also a not-for-profit group for women with alopecia called Bald Girls Do Lunch (BaldGirlsDoLunch.org) that provides information and support.

Q. I live in an area where the air is dry. After moving here, I got frequent nosebleeds. I started dabbing Vaseline in my nostrils to keep them moistened, and it solved the problem. But after reading your column about how this can be dangerous, I stopped. What would you suggest as a remedy instead of the Vaseline?

A. Dry air is a common cause of nosebleeds because the skin and mucus membranes become much more fragile and susceptible to damage. Vessels near the surface can break spontaneously, causing a nosebleed.

In arid areas of the country and even during the winter when wood stoves, fireplaces and furnaces are heating homes, people may struggle to keep the air from drying too much. In these situations, using saline (or other water-based) nasal sprays to keep the nostrils and airways moistened, as well as using humidifiers to add moisture back into the air, may be beneficial. If these fail to provide adequate results, speak with your physician regarding his or her recommendations.

© 2011, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.