My hair is falling out

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my hair is falling out

I've been losing gobs of hair each day for the past few months. I know we're supposed to lose about 100 strands each day, but every time I take a shower, I have to clear the drain because hair clogs it. And this is in addition to strands falling out during the day. I've been in remission for almost a year and the only medication I'm on is Remicade. I take vitamins religiously. I've pretty much stopped brushing my hair except when I'm showering because I'm afraid of ending up bald.

Has anyone else had this problem? I'm an 18-year-old girl, so I'm pretty sure I'm not naturally "going bald."
 
Check the side effects for your meds as well. IIRC, Prednisone causes hair thinning as one of its possible side effects.

Imuran looks like it also can cause hair loss, and the indications says to report it to your doc if it's happening.
 
I also have hair loss. I am afraid to dye my hair because I don't want to loose my hair before I get married in a few months. When I first got sick I was on the Prednisone and didnt realize it could cause hair loss and dyed my hair. When I washed the dye out my hair started falling out in chunks. It almost bought me to tears and I don't want the same thing to happen again. (Even though I am only on Pentesa and Align) I am afraid to even try.

I might try the Vitamin D. (just not OJ doesn't really agree with me LOL)
 
I apologise for putting the same post as I've made elsewhere here, but I'd only end up saying the same thing. I am also an 18 year old girl.

Although I think widespread hair loss is relatively uncommon with this disease there have been a number of topics created on the subject - so you're definitely not alone. I lost about 70% of my hair from around March to June of this year, it was very noticeable and I now have hair extensions to add volume back. It's not an ideal solution, due to the expense but for now it solves the problem atleast. The hair loss started slowly and although my hair was thinner it still looked normal then I had a period of about 4 weeks where it got dramatically worse, before calming down again. You won't go bald I wouldn't worry about that happening, although I didn't have a lot of hair by the time things stopped my whole head was still covered. Really takes the confidence out of you though.

I went to see a Trichologist, basically someone who specialises in hair, and she said the problem was described as chronic telogen effluvium and for me it was a combination of low iron levels, low b12 levels, general poor nutrition and taking azathioprine (which I have now stopped). I was also asked to get blood tests to confirm nothing else was going on. I was on Pentasa at the time but I was told the chances of that also adding to the effects were absolutely minimal. It varies for everyone though I'm sure.

I now take various supplements to correct the above problems along with some vitamins especially targeted at skin, hair and nails. I am also applying something called Minoxidil 4% in the form of a topical solution to my scalp, twice a day which has been proven to stimulate the hair follicles. I believe this is available over the counter under the trade name Rogaine but only in a lesser strength.

Luckily the shedding has now slowed down if not ceased. I do have a quite a lot of new growth coming through now, although obviously hair doesn't totally thicken out again overnight. I'm just grateful this isn't going to be a long term problem, I would think in these circumstances it rarely is. I'd suggest maybe you bring up the problem again with care provider and see if they have any suggestions as to any targeted solutions.
 
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I'm also losing hair at age 24, always had a beautiful thick head of natural blond hair. This disease sucks the natural beauty right out of ya it feels like to me anyway. Lost 15 lbs, went down a cup size, pee-ooo'd about that too. Its hard to feel pretty through all this, cant wait til remission, and I pray that you will soon be in remission as well dear!! *much love*
 

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