Alka Seltzer and hair loss?

[Belle]

Hi Thinning@30, I've learned to always trust my instincts on things like that, even when a doctor tells me differently. I know my body, any changes/symptoms, and exposures/circumstances, and I also felt a fungal infection of some type was the cause of my hair loss. So I hope you stick with your instincts until you find a doctor who is willing to listen to you. As for any scalp itching, tinea capitis, etc., yes, which was what made me suspect a fungal infection.

I had the itching, as well as small red bumps that would come up periodically, then would develop into tiny scabs. And every now and then, the red bumps would become more like white-head pimples and then develop into the tiny scabs. So that, plus the fact that a while before my symptoms started, my pug had a fungal infection with the same symptoms I had (she had bumps, some developing into white head 'pimples'), which her vet diagnosed as a fungal infection, caused me to strongly suspect I had contracted a fungal infection from her.

After my symptoms began I asked the vet if her fungal infection was contagious to humans, and he said no. I was not convinced he was correct, so I asked my dermatologist to try me on an antifungal, which is definitely helping the scalp problems and my hair is growing back in.

As for any side effects from the oral and topical antifungals meds, I have had none at all. I was on oral Lamisil pills for three weeks, and I'm still using the topical antifungal med, Exelderm. I used it daily at first, for several weeks, but now I only have to use it a couple of times a week.

Even though I'm having pretty good success with the treatment, I'm still not any where close to having hair as thick as it used to be, but part of that may be due to the natural aging process (or so the doctor said). My hair was extremely thick until I reached my 40's, and gradually began getting thinner and thinner until one day when I was in my early 50's I realized it was far, far thinner than "normal aging".

I'm thinking of going to a local family practitioner who was actually a veterinarian for a number of years before he went back to medical school to become a medical ("people") doctor. I think as a former veterinarian, and now an MD, he would be the perfect one to ask about people catching fungal infections from their dogs. My pugs have always had very close contact with me, and I think it stands to reason that we can catch certain bugs and illnesses from our pets, especially when having as much physical contact with them as I do (they are my "babies").

If I do decide to go to him for a consultation, I'll be happy to let you know what he says if you want; just let me know. Best of luck to you, I hope you find a doctor who will accurately diagnose and treat your condition. I've learned all too well how devestating it is to lose your hair like that, so I hope I've been at least some help to you.