Exercise R Us

Question:

I am posting this request as a way to help my friend who is experiencing so far unexplainable hair loss.  I am interested in responses from ANYONE who can provide information on the subject be it traditional or alternative. First of all, my friend is FEMALE, in her mid-twenties.  She has seen a few general practitioners and specialists, and doesn’t have any of the typical health conditions which would be expected to cause hair loss.   Her mother recalls that at about five years old the scalp broke out in what is best described as a rash, pimples which were puss-filled that eventually broke open, healed and went away.   At late high school age, the hair loss began to a small degree.  At the time my friend was living in a town which had a near by oil refinery.  The town’s local environment is slightly polluted with sulphur (possibly sulphur compounds).  She was using chemical straightener products available on the shelf and remembers accidentally burning her scalp by leaving the product in her hair too long. College was extremely stressful for her, combined with bad nutrition, little exercise and, sleeplessness.  This is when her hair loss became severe, actual clumps of hair were pulled out by NORMAL grooming.  (All abnormal hair loss from the front of the hair line on the forehead.)  She began using "silica based" shampoos and conditioners available at a health food store,  taking "silica" nutrient pills, and drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar.  She chose alternative remedies since doctors she say could not provide an adequate reason for the hair loss. Until recently (two to three years after college) her hair loss has seemed to be static but slow, sometimes with only very small amounts.  Occasionally, small clumps would pull out while brushing or combing.  Small puss filled pimples began spreading in a random pattern and she was given a prescription by a medical doctor for an anti-fungal agent, THE DOCTOR DID NOT CONSIDER THE INFECTION CAUSING THE PIMPLES RESPONSIBLE FOR HAIR LOSS.  These pimples eventually become open and bleed as well as painful.  The prescription seems to have caused some of the pimples to go away but they are slowly spreading again.  Obviously she requires more of the same prescription. Presently she is experiencing loss at the edge of her hair line starting from the forehead area gradually moving to the back.  It is becoming a problem because it is becoming difficult to cover hairless areas of scalp.  She is not under abnormal stress, she has begun exercising regularly and has a nutritious diet. In places where hair has been lost there is very little replacement growth, new hair remains very short and brittle. I have tried to explain the symptoms in as much detail as possible. I hope you can understand the devastating affect this problem has had on my friend’s self esteem and confidence.  The hair loss does not seem to be slowing down so please, if you know anything which could provide any advice it will be greatly appreciated.  I am interested in any other sources of information available or even suggestions for a cosmetic solution. Thank you for taking the time to read this posting. Kevin

Response: