What If That Doesnt Work
In much more severe cases of an allergic reaction to the spring weather, the bodys immune system may conserve energy to protect other organs by stopping the hair growth process temporarily. This can cause hair follicles to stop growing new hair and become weak, which leads to breakage.
Other temporary skin conditions, such as hives or a rash, can affect the scalp and cause hair in affected areas to fall out. Scratching the area will speed up the hair loss, but once the rash is gone, the hair should grow back shortly after.
Climate conditions can also impact your hairs health throughout the year, but spring and autumn are usually the most problematic. Due to a rise in humidity, mold grows rapidly, and airborne spores are abundant. Household mold can be hard to detect but breathing in their spores can cause an allergic reaction. This reaction produces histamines in the body, which cause the blood vessels that nourish your scalp and hair not to function properly. Hair loss caused by mold will usually regrow after the mold issue is taken care of, but laser hair therapy has seen success in bringing those blood vessels back to health.
If you appreciated this article regarding seasonal allergies and hair loss, be sure to check out all of Allusions blogs HERE
Bacterial And Fungal Infections
Bacteria and yeast are normal inhabitants of canine skin, but sometimes they can grow out of control and create an infection. Bacterial or fungal yeast infections on the skin may cause hair loss, redness, itching and odor. Sometimes, bacterial infections cause pimple-like pustules.
Dogs can also contract ringworm, a fungus that causes hair loss and small areas of infection . Red, itchy or scaly patches are cause for a trip to the veterinarian. Your vet will conduct a full examination, recommend some testing and prescribe antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection if needed.
Mange And Other Parasites
Mange is a catch-all term for itchy skin infections caused by mites. Mites are microscopic creatures that live on the surface of the skin or in hair follicles. They cause hair loss and itching by burrowing or chewing on skin. Some mites, like the scabies mite, are extremely contagious to both humans and other dogs, notes the Merck Veterinary Manual. Other mites, like demodex mites, aren’t contagious but still cause hair loss and may require treatment.
Fleas are a very common reason for a dog losing hair. Fleas can make dogs itchy to the point of scratching their hair off in places. Mites and fleas are extremely contagious, so any parasites you find on your dog may have already spread to your home and other pets. If you find evidence of mites or fleas, your vet can prescribe an antiparasitic medication and offer tips for ridding your house of pests.
Also Check: What Stops Post Nasal Drip From Allergies
Hair Loss Due To Medications
Hair loss is a side effect of a number of medications taken for common health problems. Blood-thinning medications, oral contraceptives, drugs for depression, NSAIDs, and beta and calcium channel blockers can all lead to thinning hair or baldness. Too much vitamin A and vitamin A-based drugs called retinoids can cause hair loss as well. Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer are known to cause total hair loss as they work to destroy cancer cells. Just as hair usually grows back after chemo, it should also grow back once you stop taking any medication that causes hair loss.
Alopecia Areata Rarely Causes Symptoms
The only sign of alopecia areata is often sudden hair loss. The patches of hair loss can grow larger. Sometimes, the patches grow larger and become one large bald spot.
Other signs that you may have alopecia areata include:
-
Gray and white hairs often remain where you have hair loss
-
Hair starts to regrow on its own where it fell out
-
Hair begins growing in a bald spot and starts falling out in another area
-
Hair loss occurs during a colder month of the year
Cold may be a trigger for alopecia areata. In one study, researchers noticed that people diagnosed with alopecia areata most often had hair loss in November, followed by October and January. Patients had the fewest flare-ups during May and August.
If you have alopecia areata, it generally doesnt cause pain or other symptoms. However, some people say that right before they lose their hair, they feel tingling, itching, or burning on the skin where the hair will fall out.
If you have alopecia universalis, which causes complete loss of hair everywhere on your body, your nails can become extremely brittle and crack. This can be painful.
While anyone can develop alopecia areata, some people have a higher risk. You can find out if you do at: Alopecia areata: Causes.
Images1-5,7,8: Images used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 78:1-12.
6: Image used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.
Also Check: What Is A Pine Nut Allergy
Allergic Rhinitis Or Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation in the nose and sinuses, which is linked to allergens like seasonal pollen, dust mites and pet dander. It is also known as hay fever.
Many people suffer from seasonal hay fever at different places or times of the year depending on what triggers their allergies.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis/hay fever include
- An itchy nose, mouth, eyes or skin
- A runny nose and/or stuffy nose
Medical Scalp Treatment For Hair Loss
Its important to treat the cause of the hair loss and itching as it will likely only get worse with time. Treatment will depend on the cause, for example, if your doctor diagnoses you with ringworm, you will most likely be prescribed an anti-fungal tablets such as griseofulvin or terbinafine, often alongside an antifungal shampoo like Ketoconazole.
Once the underlying cause has been addressed, your doctor might recommend further treatment for the hair loss itself.
As there are a few different causes of hair loss, treatment will once again depend on the diagnosis. The most commonly prescribed treatment for male pattern hair loss is Finasteride, a pill which reduces the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
For men and women, your doctor might also recommend an over-the-counter medication called minoxidil. Minoxidil comes as a lotion or foam, but should not be applied to sore or cracked skin. So you should only use minoxidil for hair regrowth once the underlying issue has been addressed.
Also Check: How Accurate Are Allergy Tests
Does This Association Benefit Patients Therapeutically
Yes! This connection between allergies and hair loss can come in handy when treatment options for the condition are to be selected. As a supportive treatment with anti-allergy medication can reduce the severity of alopecia in allergic patients. Also, avoidance of allergens is found to improve the treatment outcomes in these patients.
Best Zinc Shampoo: Dhs Zinc Shampoo
- Price: list price of around $15
- Size: 16 fluid ounces
- Active ingredients: 2% zinc pyrithione
According to the company, this product is suitable for people with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
The shampoo contains 2% zinc pyrithione, an for dandruff. Many OTC anti-dandruff shampoos use it as an active ingredient.
The company recommends using this product 34 times per week, or as a doctor directs.
Pros and cons
This product contains zinc pyrithione, which is an effective dandruff treatment. Also, the shampoo is free from para-aminobenzoic acid and sulfates.
However, some reviewers state that they experienced hair loss while using this product. Others say the shampoo made their scalp drier than before.
Read Also: Can Allergies Worsen Over Time
Can I Prevent My Dog From Losing Hair
There are several steps you can take to make it less likely that your dog will experience hair loss. Be sure to:
- Feed a good diet. Since nutrition directly affects your dog’s skin and coat, feeding them a high-quality diet keeps the skin and fur in great shape.
- Consider a dietary supplement. Adding a dietary supplement, like fish oil, to your pet’s diet is a great way to boost skin and coat health with essential omega-3 fatty acids. Native Pet’s all-natural Omega Oil is a great choice.
- Keep your pet on a flea and tick preventative. It’s the easiest way to avoid flea allergies and flea dermatitis, as well as hair loss related to tick bites.
- Groom Fido regularly. Grooming is good for your dog’s skin and fur, and it gives you a chance to check for any skin problems.
Causes Of Hair Loss And Baldness
A variety of factors from illness to poor nutrition to hormonal imbalances to major stress can contribute to hair loss. If you’re experiencing thinning hair or baldness, you need to get to the root of the problem to determine the best treatment.
Hair loss whether baldness or noticeably thinning hair can occur for a number of different reasons. Sometimes hair loss is a side effect of a health problem that needs to be addressed and will remedy itself when the health problem is properly treated. When hair loss is due to a condition involving the hair itself, as in the case of alopecia, the hair loss can be permanent.
Read Also: When Do Fall Allergies End
Gluten Intolerance And Hair Loss
Hair loss can be confusing and disorienting no matter what. But if your hair loss isnt following the typical pattern for male pattern baldness or if youre a woman it can be particularly baffling.
Maybe its all the gluten youre eating.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat products as well as rye and barley. Its also used as an additive across a wide range of packaged and prepared food products, as it serves as a filler and helps foods adhere and retain their shape.
Some people have an intolerance to gluten. This intolerance may be mild or very severe. Celiac disease, one of the most serious forms of gluten intolerance, causes an immune system response that can damage the small intestine.
Its by no means common. But for some people, an undiscovered gluten intolerance can lie at the root of their hair loss. The connection is especially strong for those with full-blown Celiac disease, which can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Here are a few ways gluten intolerance, particularly Celiac disease, can cause hair loss.
What Does Gluten Do To Hair
For celiacs and gluten-sensitive patients, the effects of gluten intake dont end at digestive symptoms. Once gluten takes a complete toll on your body, many side effects come with it.
For example, if youre experiencing hair loss, dry hair, etc., the problem may be gluten. So before you start throwing out every product of your hair care routine, look at your diet first.
Celiacs are more vulnerable to hair issues due to gluten, but gluten-sensitive patients experience it too. So if youre wondering what strictly gluten does to your hair, heres everything you need to know.
Read Also: Does Pcos Cause Hair Loss
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Dust Mite Allergy
Causes Of Hair Loss Related To Allergies In Dogs
Hair loss in your dog from an allergy can be from one of many things. One very common cause is flea allergic dermatitis. This is when your dog is allergic to the flea saliva. When the flea bites your dog, it causes intensive itching and therefore scratching. The scratching and irritation cause the hair to fall out, leading to your dog having a sparse hair coat.
Another common cause is atopic dermatitis. This primarily causes the skin to develop scaly, itchy patches which affect the fur as a result. Your dog will chew and scratch himself to where he scratches off his fur. Also, if the skin is unhealthy, it does not produce as healthy of a fur coat as usual. Atopic dogs react to a range of triggers including certain foods, dust mites, pollen and grass.
Of course a food or environmental allergy can also cause your dog to lose his fur. A food allergy can develop slowly over time so that you do not associate your dogs hair loss with what he is consuming. It may also develop years after being on the same food so many people do not believe this to be the cause, when in reality it is. Environmental allergies can also affect your dog when he comes into contact with it or by inhaling it. Allergies tend to develop between the ages of 1 and 5.
How Does Mold Cause Hair Loss
By Vincent Yu
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children suffer from allergies.
Whether its food, dust, pollen or mold, a wide variety of allergens can trigger reactions in individuals, and these allergic reactions can range from the mild to the extreme.
Some sufferers experience respiratory problems, while others experience significant hair loss. In fact, increasingly, many individuals who are allergic to mold experience dramatic hair losswhich is both embarrassing and stressful.
Read Also: Why Does Stress Cause Hair Loss
Recommended Reading: Can You Still Take Expired Allergy Medicine
Losing Hair From Allergic Reactions To Food
Sometimes people say they experience hair loss, but hair and scalp specialist Leonora Doclis of The Belgravia Centre says the relationship is remote.
It is very rare that a person continues to lose hair due to reacting to a one or more food type, explains Doclis. And assuming you would never eat a food again once you know you are allergic, the link between a food allergy and continued hair loss is remote.
If one experiences hair loss that seems coincidental with a food allergy, there may be a number of reasons for this.
Firstly, hormonal imbalances often lead to thinning hair and many food allergy sufferers have related illnesses that can alter hormones, such as thyroid imbalances and adrenal fatigue. Additionally, people with food allergies may not get enough certain vitamins and minerals. If this leads to a deficiency it can affect hair growth. Stress could be another contributing factor, which very often causes temporary hair loss. And finally, some believe theres a link between food allergies and alopecia areata as they are both autoimmune problems.
Perhaps if the allergic reaction is really bad, the mode of that reaction could trigger a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, since it is also linked to autoimmune balance, Doclis said. Or if the reaction leads to a skin condition that affects the hair follicles.
The Initial Causes Can Allergies Lead To Hair Loss
The main cause of hair loss is stress. While most of us shed about 50 to 100 strands of hair daily, we also continue to grow new ones at the same rate. This shedding is normal, and its perfectly natural to replace lost hair with new ones. However, if youre losing hair that is excessively slow or isnt growing back, youre experiencing hair fall. There are many possible causes for this condition, but theres no one single solution.
Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. Symptoms include bald spots and patches of hair loss. Infection may be caused by fungus, and scaly, red patches may develop. In severe cases, sores may develop on the scalp and oozing pus may be present. Treatment with a prescription may be necessary, but the long-term results of taking these medications are not always permanent.
In some cases, temporary hair loss may be the result of a hormonal imbalance. While some women experience hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, others may experience permanent loss of hair. These changes can be caused by hormones in the body, such as those produced by the thyroid or by the adrenal glands. In severe cases, the loss of hair is caused by medical conditions. Inflammatory diseases can cause an excess of androgen, a male hormone. High levels of vitamin A in the blood and in the body can also result in hair thinning.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take For Allergy Test Results
Allergies Can Affect Hair Growth
Allergic reactions dont stop at scalp conditions. If left untreated, seasonal allergies can have major effects on hair growth. According to Dr. Samolitis, hair growing in follicles affected by inflammation can be weakened, leading to breakage or, in serious cases, hair loss. If youre experiencing scalp allergies, youll want to treat them ASAP.
New Food Intolerance Test Find Out Which Trigger Foods Are Causing Health Issues
Ive just launched a new Food Intolerance Test which is available to book online priced at £247. From November 2019 Special Offer £217. Food intolerances, often confused with food allergies, are harder to diagnose as symptoms arent caused by the immune system but by the digestive system. Typical health problems may include bloating, skin conditions, hair loss and stomach cramps.
Food intolerances cause gut dysfunction which makes it more difficult to absorb all the nutrients from ones diet, and in particular, zinc, iron and proteins all of which are important in hair, skin and the rest of the bodys health. Food intolerances can cause inflammation of the hair follicles in the scalp and are therefore associated with hair loss as a result. They can also provoke skin conditions such as acne, eczema, ageing skin, psoriasis, and rosacea.
As it is possible to be intolerant to several different foods, pinpointing which foods are causing the problem can be difficult. Hair Today More Tomorrows new Food Intolerance Test checks 134 different foods and drink including grains and staples, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans, dairy and eggs, herbs, spices and oils, meat and fish and protein supplements. It tests foods individually rather than being grouped together with similar foods so the client receives the most accurate results possible and knows exactly what they need to remove, replace, repair and reinoculate from their diet and their guts.
You May Like: How To Deal With Seasonal Allergies
