u/KoalaEnvironmental95

So last week I posted a picture of my patch. I’ve had it for somewhere around 4-8 weeks. I hadn’t previously noticed it when I went to get my hair done at the end of May. Then found it at the start of June. I’ve been taking pictures every week, simultaneously trying to put it to the back of my mind so as not to stress too much. Long wait to see a dermatologist but in the meantime have been prescribed iron tablets for borderline levels. Been caring for my hair with caffeine shampoo (mostly due to dandruff that increased recently).
Last night I took another photo (hard to see myself because of where the patch is) but comparing the two photos, does this look better?

I appreciate the photos have different lighting, hair parting etc. but it is genuinely difficult for me to try and get the same angle, conditions etc every time. I’m not so much focused on the surrounding hair but the centre of the patch. Does anyone see anything? Tia

So I’ve recently found this patch. It’s really hard to tell as I’m keeping an eye on it whether it’s bigger, spreading etc because of where it is. I’ve had a few people look at it and no one seems to think it’s getting worse - I guess that’s reassuring. Of course, I can’t put it to the back of my mind. This is a new thing for me. I’ve kept generally quite fit throughout my life and I thank my lucky stars for that. Over the past 3 years I’ve undertaken a nursing degree - naturally, it’s been extremely stressful - especially as I near qualifying and feel imposter syndrome, general anxiety and other worries seemingly pile up.

I’ve been to the GP, they’ve referred me to dermatology. Unfortunately, it’s a 40 week wait on the NHS. It’s only been 2 weeks. I genuinely do not think I can wait that amount of time to even get a diagnosis, never mind any possible treatment. The biggest thing I’ve struggled with is trying to reduce stress and promote mindfulness. It’s so hard when you don’t know whether you’ll lose all your hair or not and the general advise is “wait and see”.

They took bloods - my iron levels are “borderline”. So in the meantime, I’ve been prescribed iron tablets. But outside of that, I don’t know what to do with myself. I’ve changed my hair routine - I’ve noticed increased dandruff recently and I’m using anti dandruff shampoo with a serum and tonic. I’ve been straightening my hair more and cool drying my scalp after washes, carefully brushing etc and sleeping with my hair in a satin bonnet to reduce any pulling/shedding. I just feel at a total loss at the minute, and honestly, any advice would be great. It’s really lonely.