My hair's falling out and I've got awful spots-can anyone help?

[retainertrainer]

My hair is very fine as it is,I can't afford to lose much more! Every time I wash or brush it loads of strands come away.

I'm also breaking out in cyst type spots-I've got 4 at the moment.

I'm not vain but this is really upsetting me.

I take b12 and iron so that shouldn't be the problem. I've tried cutting right back to skincare basics. I'm going to try cutting sugar out of my diet.

Any other suggestions? I'm 37 btw.

If your hair is falling out you should probably visit your doctor.

Yes of course, I've got an appointment booked I just wondered if anyone had any experience of something similar or just a kind/sympathetic word.

Are you on any hormonal contraception?

Have you had a particularly stressful time about 3-4 months ago? Hair loss is usually a delayed reaction. Likewise it could be hormonal. As others have said getting blood work done is the best place to start. There's a dermatologist on YouTube named Dr Dray who recently has been doing quite a few videos on hair, including loss, what causes it, how to treat it, etc.

No hormonal contraceptives. I did have a stressful time in work but that was only 2 weeks ago.

I'll look at those videos now-thank you.

Biotin supplements for the hair loss really work.

Thank you,I did used to take biotin but stopped a few years ago. I'll try that again.

Hair loss and cystic acne are PCOS symptoms. Get the GP to do some blood tests or scans. In the meantime, cutting out sugar, exercise and benozyl peroxide can help with the spots.

Could be telogen effluvium yes, or androgenetic alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, PCOS, hypothyroidism, anaemia, related to seasonal changes...

Biotin will work if you have a biotin deficiency. IIRC few people are deficient.

Hugs OP. I'm sure you look lovely and I bet no one's noticing. I hope you find some answers - do press your doctor and don't allow them to fob you off, this is something they are equipped to help with and should help with. Hair loss can be indicative of wider issues, so it's worth their taking it seriously as a potential symptom. It's worth noting down a few points before you go - volume of hair loss (e.g. how much has your ponytail reduced by, can you see more scalp than normal), when it started, what's normal for you generally. They may recommend blood tests as a first port of call and then may refer to a specialist (e.g. dermatologist). In the meantime, you could check your scalp to see if it's in a healthy condition (minimal dandruff or itching, no scabs or redness) and if it isn't, look at some appropriate OTC medicated or gentle SLS free shampoos to give it a breather.

Also I would advise not concentrating too much on what's coming out in the shower/brush etc. It'll just bring you down. You've identified a problem, you don't need to keep confirming it!

If you have an iron deficiency or low ferritin, most iron tablets don't cut the mustard. Also it can take a year to build levels up properly. I take ferrous sulphate and it's bloody slow getting levels to improve. I read a study once and a large number of women with hair loss had an iron deficiency.

Also B12. If deficient you'd need multiple injections as supliments won't cut the mustard.

Thyroid?

The pill also caused hair loss for me