Brittle thin hair and dry old looking skin...what can I do to help?

[Horsemad1]

My hair is really brittle, thin and dry, its coming out when I come to brush it also my skin is really dry, it doesn't look like what a 20 year olds skin should be like

What can I do to help it?

[Hidden]

Good morning That is dehydration and poor circulation Maybe you could try adding avocado to your diet. What anyone puts in their mouth, always manifests on the outside, as you know. It will take time for your old health to come back, but you must be determined about it. For now you could try these:

Hair - on day of washing it. One hour before, coat your hair in any oil you have in the kitchen, then wrap in cling wrap, put a towelaround your head to keep it warm. Then after you wash your hair use a conditioner for dry/dehydrated hair. You can add a "leave in treatment".

Skin: 1. Crack a vitamin e oil capsule and massage into skin.As required. 2. Use a skin moisturiser for very dry skin, everyday. Apply after every shower/bath and really massage it in.

If funds allow go to your hairdresser for treatments only! Ask for a moisturising treatment for dry, brittle hair. If you can afford to go to a beautician ask for moisturising treatments.

Drink lots of water. Really analyse your diet include fresh fish, almonds, tomatoes, lettuce, some fruit, spinach at least - I sympathize that part will be hard, possibly turn it into a salad

[Horsemad1 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou joolzzz, I will defiantly try all that you have suggested my diet contains lots of fish,veg,fruit and I'm have started in add nuts into my diet everyday.

[Hidden]

Hi Horsemad1. My first question would be "What's happening with your weight?" These symptoms are all very common in people who are underweight.

[Horsemad1 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou for the reply Helen, I am still underweight, my bmi isn't too bad though as its 17.9 now and I am slowly gaining weight, should I go seemly GP about it? X

[Hidden in reply to Horsemad1]

Hi again Horsemad1. Your low BMI could be contributing to the problems you describe, so I would encourage you to keep working on weight gain. You might also think about your fat intake, as this might also be contributing. Try healthy fats like olive oil, rapeseed oil, avocado, nuts, oily fish, even margarine and butter (yes, butter - it has quite a high level of monounsaturated fat in it), but also avoiding very low fat foods like fat free yoghurts or skimmed milk. When you feel ready you might also want to add some higher fat treat foods like crisps. These can be eaten as part of a healthy diet, if eating in moderation. Good luck!

[Horsemad1 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou again Helen, I do eat a lot of fish, but I'm too scared to put any butter or oil or things on it. I am now eating chocolate bars though, useually 1 a day. I drink semi skimmed milk as full fat upsets my stomach, imam eating around 2500-3000calories a day and some weeks I gain a little and others I maintain or loose, I physically can't eat anymore though so I'm not sure what else I can do:/. My periods are still there ( sometimes only lasting 3 days) it's so strange. X

[Hidden in reply to Horsemad1]

It sounds like you are doing lots of really good things to get better Horsemad1, so my suggestion would be to keep plugging away at it all. Gaining up to 0.5kg (1lb) per week is ideal, although it won't be a smooth line on a weight chart, as you say. If your weight is not going up at this kind of rate, perhaps it's worth thinking about your activity level. Are you more active than you imagine? And semi-skimmed milk is fine instead of full fat milk. But I would try adding healthy fats to food, like the oils. Your body will take a while to start working properly again, and won't be absolutely there until you reach a BMI of around 20.

[Horsemad1 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou, I'm 5ft2 43.9kg now and only have 1.5kg to gain untill my ed team are happy, I am on exercise ban ATM so I just sit at home and walk around the house. I'm also tired constantly, I have a blood test on Wednesday so I'll see if it shows anything up. X

[Hidden in reply to Horsemad1]

You sound like you are working really hard at recovery - well done! But I know it can often feel like it gets harder before it gets easier, especially as someone approaches their required weight. However, 1.5kg above where you are now still means you will be underweight. So your body probably won't work 100% as it should even when you reach 45.5kg - you may still feel tired.

Recovery from AN is tiring - physically and emotionally - but it is good you are getting a blood test to check your situation. I hope you get some answers soon. All I can say is keep plugging away - you will get there in the end, and you are doing really well compared to your posts some months ago. Keep up the good work, and don't be scared to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help is a very strong thing to do.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hejen therapist - I know this sounds stupid, but what bmi shoulld she be aiming for???

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

It depends on whether you are male or female joolzzz. I will hazard a guess that you are female (sorry if that is the wrong guess!). You need to aim for a BMI of at least 20, but many people need a higher BMI than this for their body to work optimally. You need to reach a weight where you menstruate naturally, so this is the best guide. But it can take a few months for this to switch on again. Best to discuss with someone who knows your individual medical situation, such as your GP.

Hope that helps!