Antihistamines stop my hair loss

Treatment 12/31/2021

A user experienced a burning, itchy scalp and hair thinning despite trying finasteride, steroid cream, antihistamines, various shampoos, and supplements. They seek advice on relieving the itch, hoping it will improve hair health.

A 28-year-old male is experiencing hair loss, itching, soreness, and numbness on the scalp, with symptoms including dry, brittle hair and scalp irritation. Treatments tried include Nizoral, salt water, various oils, and antihistamines, with limited success; a chemist suggested a possible fungal infection, while a doctor suspected male pattern baldness.

The conversation discusses the potential of topical cetirizine (Zyrtec) for hair growth in comparison to minoxidil, noting cetirizine's ability to reduce prostaglandin D2, which inhibits hair growth. Users share mixed experiences with cetirizine for allergies and scalp health, and there's a mention of the risk of dementia with long-term antihistamine use.

Dutasteride users report mixed experiences, with some experiencing significant hair shedding and others seeing improvement after initial shedding. Many users switch from finasteride to dutasteride, hoping for better results, but reactions vary widely, with some facing allergies or worsening hair loss.

A 29-year-old male is experiencing positive hair regrowth after 3 months using oral finasteride (1mg) and topical minoxidil (1ml twice daily), despite side effects like scalp itchiness and dandruff. He plans to continue the treatment long-term and may switch to foam minoxidil to alleviate scalp issues.