Dr. Leia on Autoimmune Diseases & Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms

Hello, I have been suffering from Alopecia Universalis since I was 11 years old. Is it an auto immune disorder? How can I overcome this?

My Mom is 79 and has had MG for 3 yrs. Her Albumin is 4.1 and I do not know how to raise it. The Dr. is wanting her to drink Boast and Gycerna and this is full of Chemicals. Can you suggest how I can raise the Albumin naturally?

Dear Shae, MG, or myasthenia gravis is considered a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease which involves the weakening of the voluntary muscles of the body, such as eye and eyelids, facial muscles, arm and leg muscles, the neck and breathing muscles. Because of our modern technology and treatments, myasthenia gravis can be managed and controlled: therefore life expectancy is not affected. I am not familiar with Boast or Gycerna, so cannot counsel you about the quality of these products. Even though your mom's MG is not the same as a kidney patient, kidney dialysis patients have a similar problem of keeping their albumin levels high enough. Studies have been conducted on these dialysis patients, and they found that when these patients were given a good quality multivitamin supplement and a powdered protein supplement, then the patients were able to elevate their albumin levels. These levels continued to remain high after stopping the supplements. So, you might want to visit a health food store and look in the powdered protein supplement section and see if you can find a comparable powdered protein supplement similar to the Boast or Gycerna(do you mean Glycerna which is a glucose product?) However, I would not recommend giving these health food store protein powders to your Mom without first checking with her doctor. You might want to take a canister in to her doctor's office along with the Boast and Gycerna. It may be dangerous to give these supplements to your Mom without her doctor's permission. I realize that you are want to provide quality care for your Mom; however, the supplements may be extremely different from each other, so it is important that her doctor see the comparisons and then she or he will advise you. Also, the major protein ingredients can consist of soy, whey, rice, hemp, etc., so it is additionally important that you ask her doctor about the type of protein your Mom could tolerate. She may be allergic to some specific proteins, such as soy and whey. Good luck with your comparisons and research into this matter. And let us know how you do.

Dear Sudha, Alopecia Universalis describes a condition which involves a complete loss of all body hair. It does not appear to be an autoimmune condition, but has been found to be a genetic disorder, specifically, an autosomal recessive trait. This means that you have inherited an "hairless gene". Both the hair, eyebrows, body hair, and nails can be affected. This condition can be acute, meaning that it will last of only a short period of time or it can remain permanently. There still remains a possibility that you will regrow your hair, however, it is difficult to predict if or when this will occur. Here is a link to a website which further explains your condition of Alopecia Universalis, and offers some advice about studies using aromatherapy chemicals which could stimulate the hair follicles to regrow hair at > Alopecia Universalis. In those treated, they found that there was a 40% possibility of regrowth. I would not recommend that you use these chemicals on your own, but obtain a qualified doctor who can advise you of this form of treatment. You might want to print out a copy of this linked website and show it to your doctor. On the more natural side, here is a link to natural essential oils which can also be used to stimulate hair growth > Oils Help Fight Against Hair Loss. Thyme, lavender, rosemary, and cedar wood are listed as herbal natural essential oils which could be of benefit for you. Good luck and please let us know of your progress.

Hi Sudha, I found a site that has some posts that explain more about Alopecia > Alopecia And The Immune System.

I'm searching for a remedy and more information on the cause for Lichen Sclerosis. I'm 31 and have recently been diagnosed. It's very rare for someone my age and I don't understand why this is happening. I'm looking for any info or care that will help decrease the chances of this condition worsening or better yet and cure for it. Any info or advice is welcome.

Dear Heather, Lichen Sclerosis is a chronic skin problem which mainly affects the genital or vulva area, and anal areas of the body, but can also appear on the upper body, arms, and breast areas. You are correct in that it mainly affects older women past menopause and is rare in younger women, men and children. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small white, shiny, smooth spots on the skin which are diagnosed early in the disease process by a skin biopsy. As the disease progresses, these tiny spots can become larger patches, with fragile, thin, crinkled-looking skin, which can easily tear, bruise, become red and blue, and even, eventually scarred or fibrotic. Even though the cause is unknown, it is thought to be related to autoimmune or hormonal problems. Conventionally, it is treated with strong topical cortisone cremes prescribed by your doctor only. Other treatments can include laser vaporization and photo chemotherapy. Please be careful not to scratch the lesions since this will accelerate scarring. If scarring occurs on the genital areas, then this may interfere with urination or sex. Sometimes, lesions on the upper part of the body and arms will resolve on its own, without any treatment. It might be a good idea to have your estrogen levels checked by your doctor, to make sure that you do not have low estrogen levels which might be implicated in your case. Lichen Sclerosis is not a contagious disease and you will not pass this on to others with whom you come into contact. Sometimes, skin which has become scarred by lichen sclerosis can develop into skin cancer, so it is important that you be treated and monitored by your doctor and prevent scarring of the tissues. If you want to also try a natural approach while being monitored by your medical doctor, you could try Acupuncture to help balance the immune system, avoid all gluten and dairy in your diet, eat a low oxalate diet > Oxalate diet information. Supplement with flax seed oil, take Aloe Vera gel and Vitamin E internally, and ask your Acupuncturist for a Chinese antibiotic herb called Lien Chiao Pai Tuan Pian. Here are two links where you can download further information about Lichen Sclerosis > Lichen Sclerosis Answers. Also this informational site is a good resource > Lichensclerosis/Skin Problem.