Anyone else's skin and/or hair gone to absolute shit? Warning: gross pic

[RenegadeMister]

I'm guessing it's the change in weather causing it. My skin has gone really red, bumpy and tight/sore. I've adjusted my skincare a bit and hopefully will get that sorted.
My hair is another matter. I wash every other day generally, but it's becoming greasy and lank within hours of washing. The main issue is the shedding- this is just the hair I managed to stop going down the plughole when I washed it today. It's the same every time I wash it, I'm surprised there's any left on my head. It is looking very thin.
My diet is pretty good, could/will drink more water. Any other ideas? Supplements? I take vit d.

I was just considering starting a thread because my hair has gone so thin at the front and generally sad.

I've been taking hair, skin and nails vitamins for a few months to try and combat it, but no change.

I'm off to the hairdresser tomorrow to beg them to do something to disguise it. Would be delighted to hear any suggestions - would a fringe help or make it worse?!

OP, I hope you get some good suggestions. I'm watching with interest and you're absolutely not alone!

am I understanding right - you lost that much hair during one shower? that’s a lot of hair to lose daily! I’d send that to my GP tbh

How old are you? I lost a lot of hair around menopause and it is now much thinner.
It would be worth seeing your GP as anaemia, iron deficiency, thyroid disease can cause hair loss.

Sorry to hear you're finding the same @JofraArchersFastestBall! I'm clueless on hairstyling- mine is ready for a decent trim but already feels so thin, I'm kind of clinging on to what I have left! Hopefully your hairdresser/other MN'ers will be along with some wise words.

Yes @thanksroyalmail that's from one shower this eve. It's not just me that thinks it's pretty extreme then! I've noticed it getting worse over the last month or so and it's been at this rate for about a fortnight. GP seems so overstretched right now but I've noticed feeling very fatigued lately as well so perhaps a blood test is in order.

@helpmum2003 early thirties so a while away from Meno yet, but the other suggestions are very valid. I'll see if I can arrange a blood test, it's so hard getting an appt now without serious symptoms!

My hair went very thin and dry a couple of years ago, and my nails got brittle. Turned out my B12 was low. I had cut down on meat, so I started eating more of it again, especially things like liver, and took a supplement for a while. My hair and nails are thick again now.

I've had recent hair loss on a similar scale, I've always had really thick hair but it's so thin around the front now it's awful! I'm also absolutely shattered constantly and started feeling breathless from just walking up the stairs.
I got a blood test from my GP and my B12 levels are so low I have to have 6 loading injections over 2 weeks to bring my levels up rapidly and then a further injection every 3 months to keep them stable. Definitely worth contacting your GP as it may be something similar, good luck!

I assume you haven’t been on a strict diet lately? Are you eating enough protein?

Weirdly @TheLeadbetterLife my nails are better than they've ever been, though I've made an effort to stop biting them and apply strengthening treatment every other day.

@RudsyFarmer I have been watching what I eat but my weight loss has been pretty slow so definitely not an extreme diet. I cottoned on pretty quickly that protein was the key to feeling fuller for longer for me, so do make sure to include it at each meal.

@LauraC1984 and pp I have requested blood tests from the GP this morning so hopefully there will be an explanation/treatment if they do let me have some bloods done.

im assuming you haven’t switched to meat free recently? I know you said protein, but is that coming from dairy and meat or plants?

If you are curly and don’t brush unless wet then you lose loads during wash day. I do lose a lot of hair and definitely have done since menopause. I’m taking Biotin daily , iron and vitamin B, think it’s making a difference. Painful !!!

I’m a GP and would definitely advise blood tests as people have mentioned above including blood count, iron levels, thyroid and vitamin B12

Definitely haven't switched to meat free @RudsyFarmer I wouldn't say I eat a huge amount of meat but do eat it most days, plus eggs, lentils/beans, cheese etc. I'd be surprised if it was linked to what I eat- not because my diet is perfect, I love chocolate!- but my main meals are balanced.

@FlibbertyGibbitt I'm not sure re curly, my hair will hold a curl and dries a bit wavy. Normally I would gently comb it through when it's damp but I can't face more loss and it feels quite fragile when it's wet. Tend to wrap it in a t-shirt and leave it be recently.

Good to know I'm not completely overreacting @Emmmmz9 I managed to include the above pic in my econsult so my GP can see too.

It sounds like enough from what you’re saying. Have you tried Minoxidil? I use it and swear by it.

That would be a normal amount of hair for me to lose, but I wash my hair only once a week. I also moult about twice a year, so for much of the time, barely any comes out and then I’ll go through a couple of weeks where so much comes out I think I’m going bald.

I've considered Minoxidil @RudsyFarmer but was hesitant because you have to use it 'forever' don't you? If the blood tests don't find any obvious cause then I'll certainly look into it again!

@TheKnittedCharacter it's like this at every wash just lately and I'm noticing 'patches' where I can really see my scalp I was hoping it was just a moulting phase but it seems to be going on a long time. I could understand it more if it was essentially a week's worth of shed. I've yet to brush it this morning and I just know a load more will come out. Hair is bloody everywhere as well which is unpleasant!

Yes you do. I just buy generic 5% minoxidil . About £40 for six months supply. I don’t even put it on every day. It’s more like once every three days and the new hair stays put.

I was hoping to avoid it if I could but every three days or so doesn't sound like too much of a commitment.
The GP has been great, got me booked in for blood tests tomorrow morning. Will update if anything comes up!

I had a stage where I was losing that amount daily, my hair is now thin. Ive had every test going, all normal, no hormone issues, no deficiencies.

Its getting better now, combination of weight loss and peri menopause I think

My blood test results have come in and it seems several things are all over the place including kidneys, liver, electrolytes and bones.
I have an appointment to discuss with GP later this week- will update, however I think hair loss might be the least of my worries.
Thanks for giving me the nudge to book an appointment!

Sorry to hear that that you got worrying results @RenegadeMister

I hope that your GP appointment is helpful and reassuring and that they're able to do something to begin resolving the issues.