As I have mentioned elsewhere, because of my unfortunately requisite list of high dosage maintenance meds for a large collection of chronic diseases – 8 of them autoimmune – I chose not to add additional oral prescriptions for FFA.  And I am fortunate, and so grateful, that my hair loss is still rather slow and manageable.  [Altho my eyebrows were already figments of my imagination when I sought treatment.] So I thought I’d share some non-prescription factors that I think have been helping me along the way.

BIOTIN : I think the fact that I’ve been taking mega dose biotin supplements for several years, long before the FFA diagnosis, has definitely kept my hair thicker and stronger all around.  And my nails are practically unbreakable!  I am now taking 5,000mcg daily, but have gone as high as 10,000, titrating up from 1,000 to begin with.  It is important to drink lots of water for the supplement to dissolve and be properly absorbed. 

As many of you already know, Biotin plays a key role in the body, supporting the health of the skin, hair, nails, nerves, digestive tract, and metabolism.  Even at high levels, biotin appears to be fairly safe.  A natural lack of biotin is rare; however, if it occurs it may lead to skin rash, loss of hair, high blood levels of cholesterol, and heart problems.  So it’s easy to see why it’s smart to add it.  My GP recommended it long ago, and now I swear by it.  For 2 leading derm’s views, see: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/30/biotin-hair-skin-nails_n_4...

EPA FISH OIL – We know this is a natural anti-inflammatory, and beneficial in many ways.  I have taken this over-the-counter supplement for over 10 years.  It was first suggested by my GP to lower cholesterol – which it definitely did.  No doubt it has helped hold back the FFA as well.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS – Thanks to severe osteoporosis, I’ve been taking Vit. D and Calcium for many years, along with IV medications.  Surely what’s good for the bones is good for the hair.  My gastroenterologist should have told be about Probiotics long ago for my Crohn’s, but I have now convinced myself of their significance in any autoimmune disease.

I can’t help thinking the fact that I’ve faithfully taken Biotin, Fish Oil, Vit.D, and Calcium more than a decade before alopecia, has protected me to some degree from the autoimmune issue now in my scalp.

HAIR PRODUCTS - I have always had a very dry scalp, and therefore have always shampooed less frequently than others, and only rarely and minimally used hair styling products.  Perhaps this protected my sebaceous glands in some way?

Because my hair is naturally curly [read: frizzy at the slightest provocation] I have never used anything like a standard blow dryer.  I do use a hot air brush, for drying and smoothing, which has nowhere near the same heat or force.  And I use it on the lowest setting where my FFA is active, warmer on the rest.  Time to be as gentle with my hair and scalp as possible.

 I almost totally avoid hairspray.  Have always had trouble with alcohol-based and/or heavily perfumed, giving me headaches.  Now I find that any time I spray even a little, it stings my scalp.  This should be a sign not to use it!  Surely it only clogs the pores we’re trying to save.

WIDE TOOTH ANTI-STATIC COMBS & BRUSHES – I mean really wide.  The distance between teeth is at least 1/3 inch [nearly a full centimeter].  The point is, with this kind of space between the teeth, it’s almost impossible to catch a snag or tangle, anything that might pull out or break off more hair.  But passing it over your scalp a few extra times is a good massage.  Here are the links to some that I use: .http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QF4UYY/ref=wms_ohs_product?i...

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00011JOR8/ref=oh_details_o00_s0...

STEROID INJECTIONS – As I posted recently on the main page of our forum, this is the only medical treatment I have taken specifically for FFA since diagnosis in Aug. 2013.  Twenty to thirty injections, just inside the active area, approx. every 6 – 8 weeks for 10 months now.  And I have to say it MUST be working!  My hair loss is wonderfully slow, at least for now.  No one knows what path it may take in the future.

ANTIHISTAMINES – There has been some discussion lately about the benefits of over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Zyrtec, Benedryl, etc..  I have been on significant prescription strength dosage of Hydroxyzine [generic for Vistaril or Atarax] for over 15 years now.  Antihistamines were prescribed for my most difficult and painful autoimmune disease, Interstitial Cystitis, which involves damaged and sometimes hemorrhaging lining of the bladder.  As it is incurable, and constantly challenging, I have appreciated the calming effect on the outraged histamine / mast cell reaction in my bladder.  Seems entirely possible the antihistamine may have had a similar calming effect on my scalp.

DNA?  Perhaps this should have been “First and foremost”.  My Mama and both Grandmothers had lovely hair to the very end.  One Grandmother lived to 99 with thick waves.! This would not, of course, preclude developing FFA.  But it has made hiding the loss much easier.  In recent years, my once thick hair began thinning considerably, before adding Biotin to my regimen.  But I also inherited the natural curls and waves which do make disguise easier.  Unfortunately, it’s not something I could bottle up and share with you dear ladies.

I'm happy to discuss any of these factors with anyone, but more especially, hope others will name some of the non-prescription ways you are promoting a healthy scalp.

My best wishes and hopes for each of you!

Anne