Author: Date: 16/11/2010 12:00:00 AM

This letter was written 11/10/2010

I am writing this in response to the story aired on Today Tonight channel 7 last Friday evening and also the article published in the New Idea. The story was called   GIRL GROWS HER HAIR BACK, and it gave the very distinct impression that alopecia can indeed be cured.

As we all know hope is such an important part of life, especially for those who have serious illness. To hope that there is a cure for any disease is a very healthy thing, but to give false hope is quite another matter.

Over the years we have heard that taking Chinese herbal medicines, multi vitamins etc will cure many of our ailments. In some cases there is often a marked improvement in whatever condition is being treated, but to say that this is the ultimate cure is misleading and deceptive.

In the story the little girl and her mother claim to have been cured of alopecia by taking a form of herbal medicine. I am delighted that in this case it has worked, but to suggest this will work for all other sufferers is harmful. It gives people false hope, and suggests that you just need to take some tablets, and after 2 weeks there will be the start of regrowth.

It is a known fact that many people who have alopecia have some degree of regrowth. Many even grow a full head of hair, but the majority find that this will eventually fall out and the mental and emotional anguish starts again.

People have made comments to many of our foundation members that there is now a cure for alopecia. Unfortunately this is not true, as researchers have been working hard for many years without success. The alopecia foundations that have been established in Australia have made many strides in raising awareness, collecting hair for wigs, and generally being a support to those who need help. This story has the potential to harm the good work that has been done.

To view the video, click the play button

Of course we encourage alopecia sufferers to try new treatments, but please be aware that this is not a cure for all people. Keep the hope strong, and enjoy life to it’s fullest with or without alopecia.