Daily Tips for Children With Alopecia Areata

Kids who have developed alopecia areata are dealing with some major shocks. First, you have a chronic condition that might affect you for the rest of your life. Second, your appearance has just changed. You can take control of AA so it doesn't rule your life.

How Alopecia Areata Affects Daily Life

• While alopecia areata changes your physical appearance, it is not a disabling illness. You can still go to school and be with your friends. The biggest effect you might notice is how you feel about yourself now that you have lost some or all of your hair. Alopecia areata (AA) can cause a significant emotional challenge to you. If you have lost all or most of your hair, you are probably dealing with reluctance to participate in your normal activities.

  Some classmates may tease you. The best thing you can do for yourself is to rely on your family and real friends to help you get through your adjustment to your new appearance. Don't lose any sense of your own self-worth---just because you have lost your hair does not mean you are any less worthy of respect from yourself or others.

Keep On With Your Interests

• Continue your involvement in sports, music, the school newspaper or yearbook or the acting group you are involved with. The busier you stay, the less time you will have to worry about your new appearance. You may think you have to forget about finding a job during the summer or beginning to date. Begin to look at your personality attributes that you like and start to emphasize those in your interactions with friends, family, siblings and teachers. If it makes you more comfortable, wear a beanie, scarf or cap when you are out in public. Talk to your doctor and parents about the pros and cons of wearing a wig (you can change hair color and style without having to get a hair cut or color; wearing a wig in the summertime may prove to be uncomfortable).

Dealing With Your New Appearance

• The biggest shock you may experience is looking in the mirror and seeing bald spots or no hair at all on your head. At first, it will be very difficult to handle this. You can learn to deal with your condition and appearance by asking for as much information about AA as you can. Having some knowledge will help you know what to expect. Don't be afraid to rely on your family and closest friends for emotional support.

  Don't allow your AA to make you think any less of yourself. Just because you have lost hair does not mean you are worth any less. Grieve the loss of your original appearance. Once you have worked through your grief, make it a point to be as positive as you can. Those who would try to laugh at you will find it harder to do if you are upbeat and refuse to allow anyone to bring you down. Allow your parents to discuss your condition with your teachers, particularly if you wear a beanie, scarf or cap to cover your head.