An IITians Hidden Battle With Alopecia And Anxiety
A 26-year-old postgraduate student (Patient ID: 32688) who is currently pursuing MTech from IIT Madras presented with complaints of localized hair loss over the scalp, diagnosed as Alopecia Areata for the last three and a half months. The condition initially began with a single bald patch on the right-hand side of the scalp. This patch was described as about the size of an old one-rupee coin. Subsequently, a second, smaller patch was noticed nearby, approximately 1 cm in diameter. The patient could not pinpoint the exact time of onset, but confirmed that both patches were discovered within the last 3.5 months. The spots have gradually increased in size, suggesting a progressing form of localized alopecia.
Family History- The patient’s mother is known to suffer from a thyroid disorder. However, the patient himself has never undergone thyroid testing, though he suspects a possible genetic or hormonal linkage.
Physical Generals - Patient maintains an average dietary intake and reports specific cravings for fish, eggs, and spicy foods. His bowel movements and urination are normal, with no complaints of constipation, diarrhea, or urinary disturbances.
Mental and Emotional Health - The patient describes a noticeable shift in his mood and energy levels since the onset of his hair loss. Previously strong-minded, confident, and mentally stable, he now experiences episodes of unexplained depression, persistent fatigue, and a general lack of motivation. These emotional symptoms may be contributing to or resulting from the current autoimmune condition, raising the question of whether psychological stress or undiagnosed hypothyroidism may be a precipitating factor for the alopecia.
Present Treatment - The patient is currently under conventional dermatological treatment for Alopecia Areata. It includes topical lotions and oral medications: Minoxidil applied in the afternoon, Dibrocaine applied at night, and oral tablets including Alotin Plus, Multiprex, and Betnesol (taken one tablet of each daily, on rotation).
His history also includes a prior episode of Alopecia Areata in 2017, for which he received treatment at Life Force Homeopathy and was reported to be cured at the time. However, a relapse occurred in 2021, with a small patch developing in the beard region. The relapse was without any clear identifiable cause and led him to restart treatment in August 2021.
Follow-ups:
Over time, multiple follow-ups were taken.
August 2021 to May 2022: The condition remained stable initially, with no new patches on the scalp but intermittent spread to the beard and mustache. The scalp remained unaffected for most of this period. A slow but positive response was noted.
June 2023: After a gap of about a year without treatment, the patient presented again with two bald spots—one on the mustache and one recurring patch on the beard. Treatment was restarted.
August to October 2023: A new patch appeared on the scalp after 10 days of restarting treatment, although the beard spot showed improvement. No further spreading was noted.
December 2023: No new patches were seen. Beard improvement was consistent but slow, and the mustache area showed minimal change.
March 2024: Positive response continued. The old scalp patches were 100% covered with new hair growth. The mustache area showed almost complete recovery, and the beard patch was around 80% improved.
May 2024: No new spots were detected. The previously affected areas on the scalp, beard, and mustache showed full hair regrowth. The patient was deemed free of bald patches.
Conclusion:
This case reflects a relapsing-remitting course typical of autoimmune alopecia areata, with probable stress and genetic predisposition (maternal thyroid history) as contributing factors. The long-term outcome suggests that homeopathic management is successful, including emotional support and monitoring thyroid function.
- Case taken by Dr.Shreya Hedaoo, Associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah,MD (Homo)