Alopecia is an autoimmune condition that often materialises itself through the progressive hair loss across one’s body. This definition is most consistent in the medical information available on the internet, whose authors have been seen to egregiously dismiss the anguish induced by the condition. Currently, our stories are being underrepresented, a reality that is perpetuating the sense of alienation experienced. Therefore, it is imperative that we, as a community, advocate for our stories and champion the reality that those with alopecia are #BaldandBeautiful. 

At the age of eight, my eldest brother, Jacob, died in a car accident. This calamity induced significant distress, where after a few months, I began to experience shedding on my scalp. Initially, the hair loss was minimal and could be readily masked by styling my hair as a comb-over. However, my condition progressively escalated and elevated to the extent where the shedding became evident across my entire body. This reality was the first timestamp of my alopecia journey and I began to conceal myself under a hat in all social situations outside of the house. The loss of my eyebrows were the most profound as it became readily apparent to my peers that “he [I] must have a sickness”. For example, at my local tennis club, Blackwood Tennis Academy, players began to question the coach whether I was undergoing treatment for cancer. In one situation, the club coach requested me to remove my hat in order to raise awareness about the condition to my teammates. However, I felt as if I was being encouraged to expose myself, which elicited emotions of significant humiliation. These feelings prompted my parents to inquire with my local GP for a “cure”, who recommended us to an Adelaide dermatologist, Dr Newland. After various consults with Dr Newland, it was suggested that I trial steroid-based creams and ointments. This approach caused inflammation on my scalp, with minimal success that only saw sparse patches growing. Such limited progress evoked great feelings of sadness, a sorrow that was pronounced through the recurring internal question “why me”.

As I transitioned from public junior primary to private middle school, it became apparent that alopecia was a mental and social barrier to forming friendships. In overcoming this anguish, I displayed resilience and proved my worth to my peers by being selected into the college’s Tennis Team. Although this initially elicited feelings of normality, I perceived that I was still being shunned by my peers and alienated in my interactions. Therefore, I researched alternatives to the topical treatment I was currently applying, learning about an oral Jak-Inhibitor known as Baricitinib. I discussed this approach with Dr Newland, who recommended a specialist in Melbourne – Dr Eisman from Sinclair Dermatology. After consultation with Dr Eisman I commenced the medication in 2022, where after a year, I saw the regrowth of my entire scalp, facial and body hairs. Such success was marked by a fundamental improvement in my mental health and willingness to interact without a hat. At last after many years, I was experiencing a sense of normality and happiness! 

However, such progress was transient as I started to lose my hair again after about 8-10 months. Dr Eisman attributed this to a sudden growth spurt and weight gain, which diluted the effectiveness of the medication. An unscheduled telehealth appointment with Dr Eisman saw my dosage increasing by a half, with the addition of a daily Minoxidil tablet. In just over one year on this increased dosage, my hair has completely grown back. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining an appropriate dosage of baricitinib based on body composition. 

Currently, my aspiration is to increase community awareness surrounding Jak-Inhibitors. It is exceedingly crucial for Baricitinib to be included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, since the cost is significantly burdensome for families across Australia. Access to treatment should enrich lives, not impoverish them!