I am nine years old and was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata in kindergarten at the age of five.
From the age of five to seven, I had small patches of hair that would fall out and regrow with the compound treatment of DCP.
At the age of eight and during the lockdown of Covid-19 slowly all my hair fell out.
With my family’s support and the treatment of Tofacitinib Tablets from my dermatologist, my hair is slowly growing (with minor patches still falling out).
Even though my body attacks my hair, I don’t feel it changes who I am and I still have the confidence to continue my days at school, playing with friends and participating in activities such as cheerleading, swimming and horse riding.
Some days I wear a colourful headpiece, other days I choose one of my many colourful hats. I do have a wig to wear “just in case”. However, most days, especially around my family and friends, I choose not to cover up my alopecia and embrace who I am.
I recently joined the Alopecia support group and have been to a couple of the catch-ups close to home. I have met a lot of people like me, this has helped me feel more comfortable with having alopecia and has also helped my family with support by joining the alopecia community.
I have been given the extraordinary opportunity to have private horse riding lessons thanks to the sponsorship of the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation. This has helped me work on technique and has also helped with my confidence and keeps my mind healthy. When I am older I hope to help and show other kids with alopecia that they can still be themselves and follow their dreams.
Love, Alopecia 
Leave a Reply