Corticosteroids and Hair Loss

I have had recurring alopecia since 2003. Gradually it worsened and in February of 2005 my dermatologist gave me a heavy dose of corticosteroids. Within three to six months virutally all of my hair fell out! In addition, I was suffering from lethargy, anxiety, depression and weight gain and decided to not continue the steriod injections.

My hair seems to be growing back, but very slowly. It also grows in white and frail. Is this a sign that I have skin atrophy and is this condition permanant? Also, is it possible that the drugs were conducive to my hair loss? When injected into your scalp, how long does it take before the cortisone is out of your system? Does it change your cells radically for several months to years? Is this a reversible process?

Thank you for your contributions.

From a brief history it is not clear if corticosteroids were the cause of your hair loss, as it seems you have other medical problems (“lethargy, anxiety, depression, weight gain”). Please note that most hair loss from drugs are reversible if you are not genetically programmed for hair loss. Injections of corticosteroid into the scalp are not an uncommon treatment by dermatologists, but I have remained skeptical of this approach unless there is an active inflammatory process going on, such as Alopecia Areata. It seems you are under the care of a dermatologist who should be able to answer these questions in greater detail since he/she knows your medical history.