Hair loss - herbal drugs

[grmr]

Hi guys, i'm a member of the hbv community and am on antiviral + ifn therapy (pegasys). I know the peg infn we use is the same therefore sides are supposed be the same as weel :)

I was just wondering how do you manage hair loss, I'm at week 27 and notice some hair thinning but no bald spots actually.

Do you suggest ancy natural drug (vitamine , hebr) to strenghten the hair? If so pls share your suggestiosn

Thx
Greetings

[grmr]

.. yes i'll start biotin supplement.. hair loss is not a real issue for me as it's not so significant (so far) but hair are really thin and have become lighetr colour..

i was told this side nornally is more common on women, so i'd like to kno if any male patient is facing this issue as well..

thx to all

[1swimmer]

I've been taking biotin since starting tx. It makes your hair stronger so your hair stays on the head longer. Be gentle w/ your hair; don't comb it often. My hair was so dry and wirey feeling, I was going to get something good for it. I opted for 1$ shampoo cause I figured I can't really change what's happening from within. No bald spots just thinning all over at week 21 now. Regrowth is the issue; it has been nearly halted by the meds.
C

[Fifi54]

Hi , I too am concerned about hair loss and have been reading everyone's comments about it . I have already ordered biotin ( havent started triple tx yet - waiting for the call from doctor ) Someone suggested a shampoo and treatment called thymuskin ( google it ) - I have been reading their site and it looks like pretty good stuff ! Good luck :)

[ceanothus]

I believe the hair loss is primarily an interferon side effect. Ask your treating physician before adding any drugs or supplements - natural does not guarantee safe! I've not heard of anyone's doctor objecting to biotin, but stay on the safe side and ask.

[grmr]

.. by the way in your case i do not know if hair loss/thinning is mainly realted to Riba or to IFN.. what do u think to this regard?

[grmr]

as long as it is naturla it should be ok

[JasmineT]

Biotin is an over the counter supplement.  It is best to always ask your doctor if it's ok for you.  My doc said it was ok for me.

[grmr]

thx to every1 for sugeestion.. actually I do not kno if hair loss is to blame to Ribavirin or IFN but I have a slight loss too even if I just take ifn.. 135mg shots...

I'll investigate about Biotin.. is that natural or may it affect some liver funciotns??

[JasmineT]

I used nioxin throughout treatment.  They make a vitamin supplement I bought prior to tx, when I ran out, I switched over to biotin.  I do think it helped.  I also used coconut oil treatments.  Coconut oil is sold at the grocery store near the shortening.  Take a big scoop and put it in the microwave for 10 seconds.  Just enough to liquify.  Cool it to the touch.  Do not put on while warm or hot.  Put an old towel around your shoulders and poor  slowly over the scalp and work gently through the hair.  I would put the towel on the pillow and tie my hair back when I went to bed.  Shampooed it in the morning.  This helped moisturize my scalp and control the itch so I think it helped.  

I also,s reduced how often I shampood my hair.  Conditioned it without shampoo when needed but only washed it maybe twice a week.

I think biotin and coconut oil both helped me.  If you think something is helping, keep it up for a few weeks post tx.  Good luck.

[ceanothus]

The hair loss is quite variable from one patient to another, and even between different treatment attempts in the same individual. I've lost about 80% and have several distinct bald spots too. Fortunately, it is quite rare to lose all of the hair. There isn't anything out there that reliably works for everyone's hair problems. I've found it helps to keep it very short and to use a gentle volumizing shampoo (I like Aveeno "Nourish & Volumize"). Some people swear by Nioxin products (from beauty supply stores or online), but I found them too irritating. Some people (including me) find an oral supplement of Biotin to be helpful. The single most reliable item however, is hats. Lots and lots of hats! That and know it will grow back after treatment. Good luck!

[orphanedhawk]

Let us know if you find anything that works.

I must say this treatment is hard on many people's hair. I lost a good 75% of it but the good thing is, it grows back.
Its almost 6 months since I finished tx and mine looks thick again.

[McKenna_who_has_HCV]

Hello .. have you tried taking Biotin?  I actually started taking it over a year ago to increase length and strength of my hair, and after being diagnosed 6 months ago, and going through the run down on the treatment I had asked what I could do to help prevent hair loss, the first answer I received was Biotin.  I take 5000 mcg daily, this can be purchased at any drug store.  It also helps with nail support and skin health.  I swear by it.  Also my nurse educator suggested satin pillow cases as they're easier on the hair while sleeping that cotton.  Hope this helps!! I'm only 2 weeks into treatment and pray that my hair stays put!!