HomeAnswersDermatologyandrogenetic alopeciaAre the hair loss and baldness due to the medications I take?

How to cure the itchiness of my scalp and hair loss despite using anti-dandruff medication?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At December 26, 2021
Reviewed AtSeptember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 31-year-old male, measuring six feet in height and weighing 198 pounds. I have noticed that I appear to be balding very quickly. I am unaware if my hairline is receding. But the back of my head is developing bald patches. Before two months, I started scratching my itchy scalp a lot and noticed hair loss. I have been on Concerta extended-release 56 mg for ADHD for about five months and Wellbutrin for two weeks. I am also on Xanax for occasional anxiety, Diazepam for sleep and daytime anxiety, tablet K-Cab (next-generation PPI). I have been taking anti-dandruff medication as my scalp can get very itchy. Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Shukla

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do not worry. I will help you with your concern. I went through your photos (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) and history. It looks like alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia. I need to ask a few questions to provide a definitive diagnosis to start proper treatment. Since when are you facing this hair loss? How did it start? Do you have any patches of hair loss elsewhere on the scalp or beard? Any history of thyroid disease in the family or you? Kindly answer the questions mentioned above. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your quick response. The hair loss started two months. My wife is very concerned that it is medication-related (Concerta). There is no other facial or body hair loss but a little bit on the sides of my head. There is no history of thyroid disease.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Shukla

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is not related to medicines. This is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness. Due to genetic and hormonal influence in AGA, the hairline starts to recede, and hair thinning occurs. For this, proper treatment, including Minoxidil, has to be started. Thanks and regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Deepti Shukla
Dr. Deepti Shukla

Venereology

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