My wife 70 years is on prednisone and actemra from last 5 months for GCA treatment.She has too much hair loss. She scare she will become bald after few months .she is depressed. Any one will guide me .
Is this a permanent loss of hairs ? is there any way to stop falling of hairs.
Hi,
It’s usually only temporary, but here are a couple of posts from the FAQs which may give her advice and hope -
It is common for people to lose hair from the stress of a major illness. I lost almost all of my hair 5 months after diagnosis with GCA. It grew back over a few months. Since then it has had a few thin phases but grown back again.
My hair is falling out much faster than it used to (on pred and methotrexate). I have been given folic acid, which is vitamin B9, and seems to have helped . But you have to check that it is ok with other medicines she is taking.
I also lost much of my hair when on higher doses of pred. Some of it has grown back. But please reassure your wife that she is so much more than a few strands of hair. There is a whole community of women who have lost their hair for many reasons. Let's celebrate that there is much more life than a furry head and we are privileged to be here to share it. We need to change attitudes in society so that we are not seen in this superficial way. Your wife is a pioneer who will help all women with hair loss be seen in a more authentic way.
love your post! Never be daunted whether greying or balding or aging.
I lost a lot of hair whilst on methotrexate. Once I came off the med, my hair grew back and became thicker than before. The texture of my hair changed for the better! I am still on pred and leflumonide but these don’t seem to affect my hair. I am sure your wife’s hair will improve as her meds reduce. It is worth trying a thickening shampoo as well.
I lost quite a bit of hair on higher doses of steroids. I had poker straight very fine hair at the start. My hair has grown back but it is now course and curly! I have completely changed my style to a short curly modern pixie cut rather than the long Bob I used to have. I used to dye my hair but have embraced the grey. However I have noticed that there don't seem to be any increase in the grey hairs it seems to have stopped turning grey strangely!
I have had steady hair loss for the last 10 years. My hair became thin and wispy from being thick and curly. It was causing me some self consciousness. Then I started on pred a couple of months ago and my hair had stopped falling out, is getting thicker and curlier and shinier. The only drawback is that I'm now sprouting hair all over my face! I have read that pred can cause both hair loss or growth.
Hi, I’ve lost most of my hair due to alopecia and it’s been a challenging time over the years. But on a positive note if your beloved wife feels like trying a wig it may help. The NHS can give her a prescription for a wig sadly this currently costs £75.70, to help contribute to the cost of a mono wig. Please see below for details.
nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-wi...
There are also lots of things she could try with help from her GP.
Or check out products like nano fibers which is used like sprinkling pepper on a dish, but in fact are electrically charged tiny pieces of hair. And can help to cover scalp show through, they are available in different colors. And no I am not a sales person for anyone … lol. Please let your wife know she is not alone and her hair may indeed return as so many have above but these are aids to consider. ❤️
Raguguide and his wife are not in UK….
Depression and hair loss are signs of deficiencies of the eight B vitamins. A B-complex from a reliable company twice a day could help decrease side effects.
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