a ver very handy site for people with skin problems or other

[Space]

www.goodguide.com

So a few years ago I had what looked like a little knick in my beard, I thought I cut myself bad and hair wouldn't grow. after about 8 months it spread until it was a patch that was about 2 inches wide.

I got it checked out. they said alopecia areata caused by thyroid problems. I got blood tests and nothing came up abnormal. right after those tests I moved to australia and new zealand for about a year. after a few months in OZ the patch went away completely, I had full hair growth. I figured it was stress related.

well I've been back in america for about a year and a half, and wouldn't you know it I have an all new bald spot growing on my jaw...

so now I have friend that is all about ridding her life of chemicals, she sent me some info about about certain everyday items produced in america that have hidden chemicals that can cause side effects.

one of the chemicals that caught my eye is triclosan. a chemical that is known to cause skin toxicity and immunotoxicity, also it triggers your thyroid to act up. and it found in blood and urine indicating a significant U.S. exposure.

so I look at the list of things that have that ingredient. wouldn't you know my toothpaste, my mouthwash, my deodorant, hand soap...pretty much everything that should help me is potentially hurting me.

how about that?!

I'm not saying it's a definite cause of my problem but it's an awfully big coincidence!

so anyway I know pretty much all of you guys practice good hygiene so I figured you'd find this website useful.

 

[Mr.K]

for the link.

 

[jlmwrite]

Interesting presentation. Alopecia areata barbae (and in your case, monolocularis) is generally attributed to stress or to autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disease flares are often exacerbated by stress, and there is a great deal of speculation whether or not external factors (ie, chemicals) cause or contribute to these.

By the way, did your physician identify the characteristic "exclamation point" appearance of hairs? (Hairs that narrow along the base.)

At any rate, I certainly understand your concern. Alopecia in any form can be disruptive to your appearance and therefore cause you some psychological stress. We all want to look our best, and a bald spot in a place one doesn't usually have bald spot may be harder to accept than simply going bald.

Back to your original topic: Triclosans have been around for any number of years, and up to now have been generally accepted as safe. The FDA is currently reviewing its safety but in my opinion the investigation is more from government pressure rather than from true concern. Yes, there any number of animal studies that show triclosans (as with all phenols) can cause various health problems, but remember that not all animal studies are predicators of how a given substance will affect humans.

As for me, I subscribe to the CDC and WHO stance that vigorous handwashing with plain soap and water is just as effective as using "enhanced" products. As an example, the popular alcohol gel hand rubs are NOT effective against C-diff (Clostridium difficile), a rather nasty bacteria that runs rampant in our best hospitals and long-term care facilities. I don't buy antibacterial soaps to use at home, although everything we have in our hospital is antibacterial.

So... Should you work on eliminating triclosan-containing products? It sure won't hurt, and it might help. There are some treatment options for you in the meantime, including corticosteroids and localized applications of other products. I would strongly urge you to consult at least your primary care physician or even better a dermatologist rather than taking advice you find on here or anywhere else on the 'net!

 

[Space]

oh yeah I definitely had it checked out. what I was told was that we don't really know the exact cause and some people say that it goes away out of nowhere.

I just find it odd that within 9 months it went from a little nick to a patch almost 2"x3". and the when I went away and started using products from another country it went away almost overnight (or I should say it grew back almost overnight.)

and now that I am back it's slowly coming back.

I realize stress could be a factor, but honestly right now I'm doing pretty good in the stress area. I'm making the most I ever made, I'm healthy, I have a cool job and friends. everyhting is good. I'm not stressing about bills or anything. that's why I think it is something I am exposing myself too.

it might be a combination of things. maybe something I was eating, who knows but I figure less chemicals can only be better.

I should also note I did have a few prescribed creams and a steroid cream. neither of them seemed to do anything. if teh steroid cream worked it had a delayed effect.