My 14 year-old son is suffering from thinning all over his scalp. This started some years ago when I first noticed the nape of his neck started thinning. Prior to this happening, I noticed my son had sprouted a few gray hairs at the top of his head. He was about 8 or 9 years old. I also remember how I always wondered why his scalp never smelled shampoo clean even after shampooing. It always had a "sweaty" smell to it. All of these issues were dismissed by his pediatrician, so I didn't see a reason to keep questioning it. I don't know if any of this is related.
I took him to a dermatologist on June 6 for mild acne, and I pointed out the nape of his neck. Upon further examination of the entire scalp, the doc performed a biopsy. I was faxed the results last week which states that there is a follicular miniaturization with variability in shaft diameter, a decreased anagen/telogen ratio, and many fibrous tract remnants, consistent with pattern (androgenetic) alopecia. I'm assuming that "pattern" means MPB. The problem here is that my sons diffuse thinning is not in any classic pattern. He's already lost most of his nape hair, and is thin throughout all areas. He still has a strong front hair line. But you can clearly see his scalp now through his hair. I remember as early as March helping him style his hair, and I did not see this profuse thinning, which just tells me that it's happening rather quickly.
Since there is no pattern, would I be correct to suspect DUPA? Are there any medications he can take for this, or will it be a futile effort? Being that he is 14, propecia is not an option, as i understand it. Does this mean that my son will be completely bald at the end of this, as in smooth skin bald? How long will it be before he loses all of his hair? I have a follow up visit tomorrow, but I want to hear as many opinions as possible. My heart is breaking for him. At this age, I'm terrified that this will be extremely hard on him, both self esteem and socially. I'm a complete mess over this right now..
Thanks for reading.
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