hair loss

[Cubanurse49]

loosing hair, read that Giant Cell arteritis can cause it, anyone have the same problem? Any recommendations .

[SnazzyD]

Hello, any acute systemic illness or stress can cause hair loss and GCA is no exception. It can accompany shedding skin and poor nails. It can be delayed or fairly in step with the illness so for example I’ve seen people’s skin and hair peeling away while still in hospital for a severe infection or it can be months later. Mine nearly all fell out over a week or two after a short spell of scalp pain, 5 months after GCA diagnosis. It started to grow back after a couple of weeks of clumps falling out. After that I had spells of having different hair and anything from lush locks, to mad scientist to limp and uninteresting. The next significant shedding was from a period of poor adrenal function. The same happened after the 3 worst Covid infections but not with mild ones.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As SnazzyD says it’s not the GCA as such, it’s any illness-

Maybe have a read through this - including replies - and there are all related posts to view.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

And another supporting vote for the comments so far, GCA can upset the blood flow to the scalp and that doesn't help hair growth.

[Mumdadlove]

I too was diagnosed with GCA in Dec 22, my hair started falling out in June 23, I’ve always had a good head of hair so it was a massive shock to me, I had been in 30mg of prednisolone which can also cause hair loss, I started taking folic acid, biotin, collagen and plantur 69 shampoo, I now have different hair, underneath very frizzy, and it definitely has a mind of its own, but no longer falling out, I’ve also had it styled differently, good luck!

[WhatNoCarbs]

I’m not aware that I have GCA but aches still a bit there on 10mg pred - I’m on meds for PMR and osteoporosis (also very long term tegretol for epilepsy, so discounting regarding hair loss). Have been through menopause and started a stressful new job during Covid years. PMR etc just started Oct 2022. Been on pred for 1.75 years now and my hair is definitely thinning. Itchy at the back. Use wash in washout shampoo colorants. This all might have an effect! However, went on 2 wk holiday and hair no longer coming out, so now thinking stress! Don’t want to admit to it of course. Thought it was the steroids/ menopause. Not sure that helps, but interested with responses.

[Gangley]

Hello Cubanurse 49. I was diagnosed with GCA in January 2023 - on Prednisone & Actemra and in June my hair started falling out in handfuls (guess it had enough of the Pred). Now off all meds, feeling well and starting to replace the hair loss and where they shaved my head for biopsy. I used to have hair to my waist - now I have all sorts of lengths. I keep telling myself this will be over one day and at least I'm feeling well. GCA seems to have "resolved itself" - Dr. term. Good Luck and patience!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gangley]

If the hair loss was about 6 months after the diagnosis it is equally likely it was the illness that caused it - it usually takes some months after severe systemic illness before it shows in your hair. Strange but true.