Crest Syndrome

[Belinda1960]

I have Crest and my hair is breaking off does anyone know if thats possible?

thanks

[Nette]

I definitely know it does. My hair constantly breaks, and I lose handfuls with each shower and brushing.

[LucyJean]

Hello Belinda, Everyone's hair is affected by their general health and so many people with scleroderma may have hair that is not as strong or lustrous as it once was. Check your general levels of nutrients are as good as they can be. Iron is very important so if you are anaemic that makes a big difference to your hair. Also ensure you have a good range of protein sources...hair is pretty much pure protein. Make sure you are using a gentle shampoo that is kind to scalp and hair...avoid harsh colouring or styling products. Avoid using excessive heat on your hair or too much brushing. If you have a knowledgeable hairdresser they may have helpful advise. Do remember that we all lose about 100 hairs a day and the longer your hair the more noticeable it is.

All my best

Lucy x

[GGhere]

I have very fine hair and during the early years of my condition it became very thin and, as you say, it kept breaking. However, five years down the line it seems to have improved and doesn't seem to break so much. I have wondered if the improvement has anything to do with my consultant prescribing a large dose of Vitamin D. I don't know if this is the case, but it might be worth investigating if you don't already take it. He told me to take 4 tablets daily.

[linda-l]

Try taking natural kefir every day. It is full of probiotics and Vitamin B. In two weeks, if you take it daily, you will notice a difference.

I have the fresh one you make at home, but you can buy it at Polish shops (we have many of here in the UK). My hair has really thickened, my skin has improved and my nails have grown.

If you buy a ready-made one, be sure it is natural and not containing lots of additives and sugar. You can mix it with fruit, berries, nuts, out on top of your cereal or make into a smoothie.

If it is going to work for you ... you will see a difference in about two weeks.

No drugs! All natural!

Nothing to lose by giving it a go!

[Patatie50 in reply to linda-l]

what is Kefir?

[linda-l in reply to Patatie50]

It's pure, living fermented milk (suitable for lactose intolerant, as I am) and was on "Trust Me I'm a Doctor" last year.

It contains all the good bacteria that those of us with compromised immune systems lack and has been used for centuries all over Eastern Europe.

Google it for yourself so you can make an informed decision. I've been taking for about eight (I think) years, originally to restore healthy gut bacteria after my third dose of pneumonia.

It's packed with natural B Vitamins, is drug free and costs next to nothing.

Within two weeks I noticed my hair was thicker, my nails grew and I felt just so much improved.

I try, if possible, not to take drugs (although I agreed to Iloprost after my Raynaud's became very serious and also after a six year battle with my rheumatologist to agree to it).

Just do a little research for yourself.

Hope you improve soon ..... it's a miserable condition

[Dizzy64]

Hi Belinda,I used to lose loads of hair, more than what would be a normal amount.

I take Adcal with vitamin d3 twice daily it also contains calcium.

I use an Elastizer treatment once a week for my hair and just put it on damp hair with a shower and leave it on for as long as possible and I use a shampoo and conditioner with no sulphates or parabans in it.

The difference in my hair is fantastic, I'm not losing handfuls, just what I would say is a few strands.

I did notice when I was diagnosed with Raynaulds that my hair was very dry and brittle and used to break but not anymore, also my skin became very dry and I use an Aqueous cream which is inexpensive for a big tub.

I hope this helps you.