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Comment by PamW San Diego, CA, USA on December 17, 2013 at 10:55pm

When I first got FFA, I noticed that doctors said that they may be able to control some of the discomfort but not stop the hair loss. I think taking Zyrtec is one of the ways that we can control some of the symptoms such as itching and burning.

When I got hives twice last summer, I tried to understand what was happening so I read a few things on the internet. I don't know if this is totally accurate, but here is my take on things. When our body is under attack from a foreign substance or toxin it creates histamine to fight the attack. The doctors think a toxic lipid is what is attacking our sebacious glands. The body fights the toxins by releasing histamine. We itch because of the increase in histamine. The histamine is increased in our body because of the toxin that is attacking the sebaceous gland. Taking an antihistamine stops the itch. I don't think it will stop the attack, it just numbs the discomfort.

When I got hives last summer, the doctor said that there were several types of antihistamines. She suggested Zyrtec because it doesn't make you as drowsy as the others. I think Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec all have different ingredients. I was able to purchase generic Zyrtec at Costco much, much, much cheaper than the named brand of Zyrtec.

It does dry out my nasal passages, but if my head isn't itching and burning I don't think about the FFA as much.

Comment by Sam on December 17, 2013 at 10:06pm

I just took my first zyrtec - fingers crossed that you guys are on to something here! Also, has anybody had their heavy metal levels checked?  I just had mine tested and my mercury and lead are high.  My mercury is actually quite high (and I don't eat seafood or have any fillings) not sure if it could be from fish oil I am now taking but my holistic doctor seems it may just be from a lifetime of exposure.  Anyway, I read that mercury could lead to autoimmune issues so I would love to be able to get rid of it and get rid of this problem although once the FA is triggered, not sure if it will go away if the mercury is gone.  Just throwing this out there in case there in the event anyone had something similar and/or wanted to check their levels in case it is a potential cause.  Belated thanks to Debs!  I will send you an email as well.

Comment by Brenda, IL US on December 17, 2013 at 5:58pm

Alice, zyrtec has stopped the itching but it does cause my mouth to be dry.  I didnt have itching until a couple of months ago and it was driving me crazy.  I sip on water often to alleviate the dryness.  I take zyrtec, plaquenil, and doxycycline as prescribed by my dr.  I have to have my eyes checked twice a year while on plaquenil.  My eye dr gave me a chart to check my eyes each day but ive been on plaquenil so long that i forget to do it.  I was taking plaquenil for lupus a long time before i was diagnosed with FFA.  I have blood work done twice a year. 

Comment by Maddy, California, U.S. on December 17, 2013 at 5:52pm

I am wondering the exact same thing MJ! I have some Claritan sitting here on my desk! The study that everyone is referring to happened to study Zrytec...but that's all I know.

Comment by MJ on December 17, 2013 at 5:07pm

Thanks Maddy. Now I am wondering if the supply of Allegra I have from spring allergy season would be equivalent or if there is something specific to zyrtec...

Comment by Maddy, California, U.S. on December 17, 2013 at 5:03pm

Hi MJ, I do not have any scalp irritation either...just the hair loss. I think the theory behind the Cetirizine is that this is some form of allergic reaction that makes our autoimmune system go haywire...something along those lines. I'm sure someone else can explain that a bit better :). 

Comment by MJ on December 17, 2013 at 5:00pm

Hi all, are you taking the antihistimines strictly to ease itching and scalp irritation or is there another theory behind this? I dont have any scalp irritation and was wondering if this was something I should add to the hydro and clobetasol lotion regime? Does anyone know of others with FFA that dont exhibit outward systems aside from the hair loss? I am new to this! Thanks. MJ

Comment by Polly UK on December 17, 2013 at 3:38pm

I'm still taking 10mg Cetirizine each night and inflammation is much better and the added bonus that I'm sleeping well. I also take 400mg Hydroxychloroquine daily and was prescribed an antibiotic early this month but haven't started taking it yet. I've been given the all clear to carry on with hydroxy following blood tests and will probably hold back on the antibiotics until I've spoken to my derm early in January. I'm sure taking Cetirizine with the antibiotic isn't a problem but would like to check first. Good luck everyone xx

Comment by Maddy, California, U.S. on December 17, 2013 at 2:29pm

Hi Celia, Do you have to drop the antibiotic if you start taking the cetirizine? I am considering to start on it too, but I am also on Doxy, and don't see my dermatologist until late January.  Thank you, Maddy

Comment by Alice on December 17, 2013 at 2:27pm

Brenda, how are you getting along with the zyrtec? I haven't tried it yet but did try claritin, another antihistamine that my husband takes for allergies. It seemed to help the itchy scalp but made my eyes, nose snd mouth very dry, which seems worse than the itching. I've also had the same problem with benedryl, when I tried using it for sleep. I'm wondering if zyrtec is different than these others.

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