Hair loss

[HelenArmstrong]

Hi, I’ve been diagnosed with Polymyositis (Jan 25) and i’m really struggling with hair loss, has anyone else experienced this? And if so any help or suggestions to help stop this would be greatly appreciated.

[JoLou12]

I have been taking Biotin supplements for about 4 months and use Nioxin shampoo, conditioner and scalp products. Hair loss has slowed down but doesn’t appear to be growing back yet. It’s early days for me on immunosuppressants, so I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that they may start to help!

[ruablue]

Hi Helen,

I have polymyositis overlapped with other autoimmune diseases.

In terms of the hair loss, this was pretty significant for me - I had really thick, volumous hair and I would say I lost 2/3’s of that volume- it was incredibly upsetting - clumps coming out in the shower had me in tears.

They were not sure if it was the disease or one of the meds I was on.

My hair volume has improved- am taking omega 3 supplements, have come off some meds and disease stable so not sure which helped.

Sorry this isn’t specific but I guess I’m saying there is light at the end of the tunnel - my hair not exactly as it was but better than the worst it was.

Someone recently suggested the hair, nail supplements from Holland and Barrett so might try those too

[Daffodil_1]

Hello Helen

I have Myositis and have suffered with hair loss. I have started using Nioxin system 2 shampoo and conditioner. I also use the anti hair loss serum. (The serum is my favourite and what I started using first) my hair loss has slowed down.

It would also be worth discussing this with your rheumatology nurses as well. I take perfectil hair skin and nails. But prior to taking them I called the nurses, they got a pharmacist to check that it wouldn’t interfere with any of my other medication. The pharmacist rang me and we talked it through.

I hope you find something that works for you.