One day, my hairdresser was brushing my hair out, and she was surprised by how much hair was stuck to the brush. She showed my husband, and they both decided I should go see the doctor because I probably had something wrong with my thyroid.
Lab tests confirmed that my thyroid function was normal. I notice on hair washing day that my brush is full of hair, but there is still a lot of hair left to style. In between washings, I notice my hair looks thinner, but that is not a total shock since I am 71.
Everyone loses hair. In general, losing 50-100 hairs a day is a regular part of your hair growth cycle. If you lose more hair than that, or if you have noticeable bald spots or thin hair, you might be suffering from hair loss.
Arthritis Drugs That Cause Hair Loss
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the most commonly prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate, is responsible for hair loss in about 1% to 3% of people. The hair loss happens because methotrexate is doing what it’s supposed to do – stop cells from growing.
You may have fewer side effects if you take folic acid with methotrexate, but it does not promote hair growth.
Leflunomide (Arava): Another widely used DMARD for RA with the potential for hair loss is leflunomide. It is often prescribed in combination with methotrexate and causes hair loss similar to the way methotrexate does in about 10% of users.
Treating Hair Loss
I have a couple of friends who have hair loss, and they have thinning hair and bald spots near the scalp. They try to wear different hairstyles to cover the bald spots, but basically, they are older than I am and feel like this is part of getting older.
Here are some helpful tips to minimize hair loss:
See a Board-Certified Dermatologist
You want to know that your hair loss is not associated with any underlying conditions, so here is your chance to ask any questions that you may have. It’s comforting to know that you’re talking to an expert on the subject of hair loss.
Wash Hair Gently with Shampoo and Conditioner
When I wash and condition my hair, I give myself a vigorous scalp massage, but I could achieve the same results with a gentler touch. It’s also easier on aching arthritic hands.
Don’t Color or Perm Your Hair at Home
I remember back in the day when women used Toni Home Perms, and boy, did they smell like rotten eggs. We saved money, but it certainly didn’t look that good.
You are seeking a solution to hair loss, so go to the salon for your hair coloring, styling, or perms. They have had training in the cosmetology world, and who doesn’t love to sit back and let them do all the work?
Air Dry Your Hair
I like the low setting on my blow dryer, but for quicker drying that minimizes hair loss, wrap hair in a microfiber towel.
Brush or Comb Hair Gently
It’s tempting to brush or comb too much because you may be trying to get tangles out, but one trick I do after a gentle comb or brushing is to use my fingers to pat the hair into place.
Avoid Hairstyles That Pull on Your Hair
You don’t have to avoid them altogether, but hairstyles that pull on the hair too much can lead to hair loss.
In time, continuous pulling can damage your hair follicles. If you damage your hair follicles, your hair cannot grow back, so you develop permanent hair loss.
Hairstyles that constantly pull on your hair include:
- Buns, ponytails, and up-dos that are tightly pulled
- Cornrows
- Dreadlocks
- Hair extensions or weaves
- Tightly braided hair
Summary
You must take your arthritis medication, but if you notice you are losing too much hair, consult your dermatologist. Follow these simple hair care tips and enjoy your beautiful head of hair.
