Question:
DOES THE HAIR LOSS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH AN ITCHY SCALP

I am 3 1/2 months post op and my hair is falling out, and I know that this is common, and should end by the 7th month or so. But I have such an itchy scalp. Does it have anything to do with the hair loss?    — janice L. (posted on May 29, 2003)

May 29, 2003
Janice: I also have an itchy scalp, but I haven't had surgery yet, and honestly I'm not sure if it has anything to do with the hair loss or not. However, I use Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo (available at any drug store) specifically for itchy scalp; it has menthol in it, and when you put it on and leave it for a few minutes, your scalp feels very cool and clean. I then use a light detangling conditioner (I have fine, naturally curly hair)and that helps to moisturize my scalp as well. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo and Conditioner, available in salons, are also good products for itchy scalps. Hope this helps!
   — Moysa B.

May 29, 2003
I didn't really have an itchy scalp during my period of hair loss, but I can see it happening because we have very little fats in our diet. I know my skin got very dry and itchy early on, but about month 7 post-op, when the hair loss stopped, my skin became exceptionally soft and smooth! (yippee!). My hair was very dry during the period of hair loss, I recall. I'm almost 13 months post-op now and my hair has grown back in very nicely and is in better condition now than it ever was. So even though things are icky now, you do have better days to look forward to regarding your hair! Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 29, 2003
I too am experiencing the same challenge at 4 months. I am loosing hair and my skin and scalp are dry. I get in lots of protein but the low fat seems to be the cause based on everything I have read. I have tried to take in a tiny bit more fat each day by changing to 2% cheese instead of fat free and occassionaly I eat a few nuts. I average around 21 grams of fat per day which really is not enough still. I also began taking a multi-oil vitamin from GNC that has the Omega 3 and 6 oils in it along with containing flaxseed oil. I can already tell a difference in my skin. It is getting much better! Best wishes.
   — Kim A.

May 29, 2003
Hi Janice- Did you do anything differently to you hair lately? Like a new shampoo or chemical treatments? The reason I'm asking is that several years ago, I got a perm. A few days later, my scalp felt like it was on fire! About 1/2 of my hair fell out, I knew it because a week or so later, my hair was full of new growth stubble mixed in with the existing hair:o( I was so itchy I rubbed keri lotion on my scalp and it helped a lot. It didn't do much for my appearance though, LOL :o)
   — Mea A.

May 29, 2003
I'm a hair stylist. Probably not related to the hairloss, but to being on the dehydrated side. If your still not getting in enough water your skin will become dry. Question: Is it just itchy or are you also getting flakes along with it? If its just itchy and no flakes, then you may want to change shampoos to a GOOD professional one that has moisturizers in it, not Suave or anthing like that. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree may be a good one to try. If you have flakes, try a good dandruff shampoo.
   — Kris T.