new thread
As you know this has been a record year for shedding for many of us here at MLHH. I have a good idea as to what may have caused it.
There is a fungus that causes dandruff as well as excess shedding of hair. I have noticed a lot of dandruff falling on my keyboard lately. It is possible that this fungus is more prevalent this year than in years past.
My question is how many others that have had profuse shedding this year have noticed more dandruff as well?
I want to take a poll to see how many here had both excessive hair shedding and excessive skin flaking.
I also want to hear from those who had excessive hair shedding but without excessive skin flaking.
Thanks in advance.
Scott
I've been shedding a lot this summer, last months it went down a lot. I'm not sure about the dandruff, I've had some but not sure if it was more then I had before.
Thanks for your input, Vincent. Your hair is coming along very well. Keep it growing for sure.
Scott
I think my shedding and dandruff have both been about normal. My shedding was worse in the summer and is less now that the weather is cooler.
Like you, I have observed that lint is a major cause of tangles. Pretty much every mat that I've combed out has had lint holding it together.
Ed
Thank you EdG for your input. So far some here have had more flaking along with the shedding and some have not.
I am plagued by lint too. It can be a real pain in the butt. It is bad enough to lose hair to shedding, but I hate to lose additional hair to breakage from knotting and tangling as well.
Scott
Yes, I have also noticed an increase in flaking and redness on my scalp. In fact I recently bought a medicated shampoo to try to deal with it. I'd say my shedding is still above what it was this time last year but it's not as bad as it was during the summer.
Hi Jason, thank you so much for your input. You have the same symptoms in common with me. Like you, my shedding is still well above normal but a bit less than a couple of months ago.
Scott
Hey Scott
Guess I was fortunate, for though that shedding period was un-real, I NEVER saw so much as a flake of dandruff.
Justin~
Hi Justin, thanks for your input. So far it seems that some of us have had the shedding without the skin flaking and some have had flaking with the shedding. With input from more people here I may be able to determine the cause of this shedding problem with some degree of accuracy. Thanks again, and may you reach classic length soon.
Scott
I've went through a major shedding episode during the winter of 2007-08. It seems like I've lost two thirds to three quarters of my hair in the past 12 months. At that rate, I'd be bald by Christmas 2009! Fortunately, it seems to have slowed down in recent months.
There were no flakes, but my scalp was itchy and very oily. I also noticed that there were these tiny black specks about the size of the periods on this page.
Weather last winter was unusually warm, even for Honolulu. It was the first winter that didn't get below 60 degrees even once. So a fungus is an interesting possibility.
Thank you for your input, Ev. I am starting to lean toward the fungus theory as the cause of most, but not all, of this severe shedding that has been plagueing many of our members here.
Scott
I've had both excess shedding and dandruff... seems like snowfall whenever I shake my head anymore. =(
-James
Hi James, thanks for your input. It appears that most of us here that have been shedding way more than usual have had a great deal of skin flaking as well. I am beginning to think that there could be an epidemic of scalp fungus out there. I hope you and Austin are doing well. Thanks again.
Scott
Hey Scott. I had lots of shedding during the spring that lasted for about 3 months with no increase in scalp flaking. Since then the shedding seems to be less than normal...I have no reason why... Hope you had a great weekend...I'm sure you did lots of biking. :-)
Cheers,
Max
Hi Max, so far more than half here have had excess skin flaking with the shedding. I am still shedding more than normal. Thanks for your input.
At some point I will have to get up your way. You are about 60 miles away. I do like hiking among the redwoods.
Scott
Scott,
Like many others here, I noticed profuse shedding all summer. I've been in Austin since mid-September assisting with the Hurricane Ike recovery, and haven't had time to see if my shedding rate has decreased (I've worked more than 700 hours since September 15th with no days off!). I've never had any problems at all with dandruff, regardless of what my shedding rate has been.
LMD
It seems that heat and humidity may be a factor. I will have to research what the temperatures have been and whether they have been above normal.
You don't fit the pattern of dandruff along with the excess shedding. Thank you for your input.
Scott
Hi Scott,
With me its been a lot more shedding than normal starting around early September but definately no flaking.As usual for me the shedding did let up as the weather cooled more here on the east coast.I kind of go through the same thing around springtime as well.Thats been the pattern with me a far a I can remember.Hope this helps Scott.
Mark
Your shedding pattern is unique, Mark. You have 2 shed cycles. With each reply now it seems that there are a lot of variations in the causes of excess shedding. Thank you so much for your input.
Scott
I used to shed on regular intervals, years ago, when plagued with dandruff problems. I had a really bad shed around 3 years ago, during the year before I joined MLHH. That shed was not a normal one, my hair had become so thin that my scalp became visible. I was no longer having dandruff problems, I hadn't for years.
This is an interesting story, regarding dandruff and fungus. Over 5 years ago, I had a ruptured appendix with serious complications; peritonitis. As a result, I was in 5 different IV antibiotics for the week I was hospitalized, plus 3 types I took for a month after coming home. A side effect of that regimen was that I developed a skin fungus causing flaking on my face and head, plus I had Thrush. I was put on Ketconazole, but it wasn't effective enough.
The dandruff I had then was really bad, and I was losing more than the normal amount of hair, which I attributed to stress from the surgery. All I know, is that another, longer round of Ketconazole finally fixed it. Ketconazole is used for treating fungus and yeast infections. I haven't had an issue with dandruff ever since. All of the itching, redness and flaking went away. I have unused Head & Shoulders shampoo here. I would not recommend using Ketconazole for treating dandruff-related fungus; it can do a number on the liver. It is used for hard-to-treat infections, such as the kind that result after heavy anti-biotic therapy. Perhaps they could just develope a weaker solution, that wouldn't tax the liver, but be enough to wipe out the fungus causing the dandruff.
On another hair board, there was a discussion regarding the use of anti-fungal creams to increase hair growth. Some reported results, oddly those same people also reported less itching and flaking from dandruff too. So, you just may be on to something here. These people were using OTC creams containing miconazole and other azoles. It seems that creams containing azoles work on some people. I even experimented with it, after my massive shedding of several years ago, but sadly had no results. All it did was make my hair greasy by the next day, so I ended up shampooing more frequently. It was also messy to apply, just messy all around.
In my particular case, the shedding was due to two previously undiagnosed conditions; Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and Osteomalacia. Since being on natural dessicated throid hormones, and 2000IU's of Vit D daily, I have had just over two years of solid steady growth, along with an increase in overall volume. I was originally using snthetic thyroid, but was not getting the results I needed. Since switching to synthetic, hair has been less dry and brittle. I added MSM (sulfer) to my supplements regimen, my hair growth rate is faster than the typical 1/2 in per month. In a year, over the past 2 years, I averaged 10 inches per year. Being 4ft and 3/4 inches tall, I will reach waist length faster than a 6ft adult with the average 6 inches a year growth pattern. I was chin-length when I first posted in MLHH 2 years and 3 months ago. I am mid-back now. In a year, if the growth rate continues, I could very well reach waist. Crown braids and chignons are in my future, no trendy middle-aged bobs for me now, no poodle perms in old age either. :)
So I had the dandruff problem, and subsequent seasonal hair shedding. Dandruff worsened in the summer, sweat irritated the scalp more, more hair was shed in the begining of the summer months than any other time. Then I had the severe shedding due to the Vit D and thyroid problems. Someone experiencing low to moderate shedding, without scalp exposure; it could possibly be the result of dandruff and a fungus. Severe shedding, or hair loss exposing any part of the scalp, needs medical attention. Osteomalacia and thyroid disorders are common causes of hair loss. And hormones play a role, with DHT being the cause of MPB. The sooner MPB is adressed, the better the outcome. So, anybody experiencing shedding, needs to seek medical attention for anything severe or unusual.
But you just may be on to something, with your theory that there is a connection between scalp fungus/dandruff and periodic shedding. I can certailny attest that I shedded more during the height of dandruff, the early to late summer months.
My hair looks layered, there's actually two lengths. The original chin-length hair of two + years is at mid-back. Then there is the new growth after going on thyroid and vit D. That new hair is about a 1/4 inch in diameter, and reaches my shoulders. If I braid my hair, and leave it in overnight, the shoulder-length and shorter hairs work their way out. When I switched to dessicate thryroid, a year later, I had another growth spurt. This hair now reaches chin-length. Some people would cut back to even things out, as my hair is thinner the further down I go. But I am leaving it to Mother Nature. It is healthy, no major splitting problems, so why cut it?
As a teenager, I went from a shag cut at age 12, to tailbone length by age 15. What took me 3 years back then, will probably take 4+ this time. Hair seems to grow more rapidly when young, because of the high amounts of growth hormones contributing to everything else. another reason why the young folk should grow, not cut, their hair. They will never have as nice a head a hair, as they had in their youth. While I can get the length I had at 15, I'll never have the volume and thickness. Time to stop ruminating/rambling here. ;)
Hi Carol, my shedding has been bad but nothing like what you describe.
It is interesting that you mention this. I have been through a few short runs of antibiotics for dental infections. To keep problems to a minimum I took probiotics between doses. It is still possible that the antibiotics could have increased the scalp fungus problem.
Maybe Ketconazole can be mixed with shampoo in very small amounts, thus bypassing the liver altogether. I may look into this if vinegar therapy does not work well. It is too early to be sure, but I think it is helping.
I will avoid creams which will just make things too greasy.
I am taking MSM too. I had no idea that you were just over 4 feet tall. You will likely be able to grow your hair to the floor quite easily.
My shedding is likely due to the scalp fungus. My Testosterone count is 432, which is not very high. (The reference range is 299 to 999.) MPB is unlikely for me.
From the responses so far, I have seen a variety of causes of above average shedding. In my case, I think it is scalp fungus, which would explain the dandruff.
Agreed, just letting it grow will even your hair out in due time.
Children have some of the thickest and fastest growing hair for sure. Some adults are fortunate to have also have very thick and fast growing hair too, must be good genes.
Thank you for your input to this thread. Your information was of great value.
Scott
I recall that Nizoral Prescription Dandruff Shampoo contains 2% Ketoconazole. There is an OTC version that I believe is 1%. I did use the 1% stuff to treat the scalp fungus resulting from the anti-biotics. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungicide, so these products tend to be more effective in treating dandruff, than the coal tar preparations used in products like Head & Shoulders. I was using tea tree ointment for the flaky rash on my face, and gentian violet for the Thrush; in addition to taking the Ketoconazole and washing hair with Nizoral 1%.
The shampoo is strong, I used it twice a week initially, then when symptoms abated, I went to once a week. Gentian violet is a very effective anti-fungus/anti-yeast product. Sadly, it is a strong purple color, and will temporarily dye skin and hair purple, so you don't want to use it there. I had a purple tongue worse than the effects of drinking grape koolaid. It's used as tatoo ink for that reason.
Dang! Always a typo/missing info somewhere, should be 4 ft 11 and 3/4 in. So I am just under 5ft, having lost 1/4 inch from my maximum height of 4ft as a teen. Just under 5 ft is still quite short by usual standards. ;) I have spine problems with compressed vetebrae in the C-Spine and L-spine region right above the tailbone. MSM has helped joints, and hair inprovement is a nice side-effect. Cheap to buy too!
I have tea tree oil which I am using on my toenails to kill fungus. My left big toenail was very painful, but does not hurt now. I can see healthy nail growing in. I apply this about every 3 days or so. Maybe I should mix it into my shampoo.
I may still give that Nizarol shampoo a try if tea tree oil or vinegar don't work.
Just under 5 feet makes more sense. Very few people are only 4 feet tall. My cervical spine is bad, it hurts to turn my head 90 degrees. My lumbar spine can give me trouble too, with low back pain. MSM is helpful, but I avoid glucosamine/chondroitin which can increase hair shedding loss. I am taking crystalline MSM now, about 1/2 tsp per day.
Scott
You can buy shampoo & conditioner products containig tea tree oil, but don't see any reason why you can't just add it to existing products yourself. Probably cheaper too!
It is pricey, for a lttle 7-8 oz bottle, but since you only use it twice a week initially, it lasts for a while. Once you get the dandruff under control, a weekly maintenance wash will do. Leaves a tingly feeling in the scalp. Can be harsh on hair strands, so be sure to heavily condition hair, avoiding getting any conditioner on scalp. Ketocoazole tends to strip hair, so conditioning to restore needed moisture is a must.
I stay away from the glucosamine/chondroitin because glucosamine can effect blood sugar in insulin resistant and diabetic people. Plus, there are no firm studies showing it's effectiveness beyond relieving mild knee arthritis. MSM is a a known nutrient crucial to joint health. I take two gelatin capsules of crystaline, probably about the 1/2 tsp dose you take. If you are having inflammation as well as pain, one of the best antiflammatories is Omega 3 fatty acids. I take the fish oil capsules daily. I have fibromyalgia in addition to osteoarthritis and spinal disc disease. The MSM and Omega 3 combo has really helped. I rarely need my 'breakthrough' meds for pain control. Omega 3's are also good for hair, there's a reason why pet food is fortified with this to improve a pet's coat.
So, are you developing a speadsheet based on the feedback you are getting on your theory?
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The only hair related spreadsheet I have is to record how much hair I shed. I weigh it instead of counting hairs. Here are images of hair on the scale. I estimate that only 80% of shed hair is recoverable, the rest getting lost in the drain or on the floor.
I am the one that removes the threads that have gotten no additional replies for over a week and sends them to the archives. Anyone can look at the archives. All the information about causes of shedding will remain available for me (or anyone else here) to look at for future reference, making a spreadsheet superfluous.
I already have dozens of spreadsheets for all kinds of things, mostly dealing with science and engineering. I wrote one of them to calculate orbit velocity and period. I did another one to calculate resistance in a copper wire based on temperature.
I tend to have a just a few narrow fields of interest, mostly science related.
I am very obcessed with measuremments, numbers, and statistics.
I tend to be very awkward socially.
I have to do a certain routine. Deviating from it more than a little causes me real problems.
I have somewhat poor motor skills too.
Sound familiar?
Scott
Yes. I do have been shedding massive hairs for months now. Every morning when I comb my hair (with my fingers or a comb), I pull out some strands of loose hairs. Then I pull out more strands afterwards. I pull out enough strands almost every morning to form a good sized pile of hairs. Despite cooler fall weather, I am still shedding a lot of hairs. None the less, my hair is full and thick. Flaking, on the other hand, is mainly hidden by my hair, so I don't see much snow when I shake my head. I have to actually go in deep to get snow out of my hair.
Matthew aka Regardless
Hi Matthew, you seem to have a bit of flaking with the shedding too. Your flaking just isn't as bad as mine. I have lots of flakes all over my keyboard. I have to clean it off daily. Thanks for your input.
Scott
Sorry to hear of this problem. The Ketconazole that Carol mentioned is readily available as a shampoo. Nizoral contains Ketconazole and it will most likely solve your dandruff problem and perhaps the shedding as well. I have not had dandruff since grade school, however I use Neutrogena T-Gel once every other week. T-Gel is very effective as well. You can easily find Nizoral at Wal-Mart, or your local pharmacy. It is a little pricy, but a little goes a long way. Personally I prefer the T-Gel as I find Nizoral to be a bit harsh on long hair.
Best wishes.
jeffrey.
I am going to give those a try if vinegar fails to do the job. I really don't want my hair to thin out. Thanks for your input, Jeffrey.
Scott
I usually shed a bit more than normal in the autumn but this year it has been less. Hardly any hair in the bathtub drain trap.
I almost never have dandruff, I can't remember the last time I saw a flake aside from on the ones mlhh.
Kevin
That is interesting, Kevin. Your situation indicates to me that it is likely that internal biological cycles (body chemistry) can also affect shedding. Thank you for your input.
Scott
Hello
Scott
How are you I decided to come to the board today well its been awhile and i noticed your post and i couldnt pass up the opportunity to reply your post as I found it very interesting as i had flakness of the scalp and purchase something to stop the flaking of the scalp also redness of the scalp to is this something else you wish to know of
Anyway Guards to the gut btw say a BIG HELLO to Bill for me
Ziggy ( Ill drop by to read the reply ok )
Thanks for your input, Axel. It seems that this problem is occurring across the pond as well. Maybe global climate change is causing an increase in scalp problems for some us. I will likely get a dandruff shampoo if vinegar fails to cure the problem.
Scott
Hi Scott,
I am not sure if there is a real "pattern" to my shedding, although it may be slightly higher now, in the fall, than in the summer. Many other members (e.g. Jason) experienced a higher rate of shedding earlier in the summer. I guess it varies from person to person. I guess I am one of the luckier guys as far as dandruff goes, and haven't noticed any.
Hope this helps,
David
Thanks for your input, David. Everyone's input is important here, including those who don't fit the general pattern. It will help me to figure out the causes of excess shedding.
Scott
I've been away from the forum for a little while, but am back now and thought I would chime in on the question.
My sheding hasn't been excessive that I can tell.
And best I can tell, I've had NO dandruff now for about 1 1/2 years since I found the forum and learned how to take better care of my hair. I think adding oil has help my hair very much.
Frank
Thanks for your input, Frank. You seem to be unaffected by this epidemic of excess shedding. BTW, your hair looks great.
Scott
I have somewhat excessive flaking, but NOT excessive shedding.
Hope this doesn't throw a wrench in your survey, but that is as it is.
That is interesting, Matt. You don't fit the general pattern, but your input is still valuable. Thank you.
Scott
Hi Scott,
indeed I experienced a major shedding in October, but I didn't notice an increased amount of dandruff. I thought it was a normal seasonal cycle.
It probably was in your case. Thanks for your input.
Scott