Scalp inflammation or normal with alopecia?

[Sele]

My diffuse thinning started about 20 years ago and it progressed really really slowly. I took finasteride from 24 to 25 years old and ever since have the post finasteride syndrome. That’s why I believe the hair loss was slowed down tremendously. Because my body was messed up and not converting T to DHT properly.

I am now 42 and up until 2 months ago I was able to hide the thinning with hair fibers. But 2 weeks ago I had a full head HT with 4250 grafts. I started testosterone treatment last year in August and believe that accelerated my hair loss.

When my hair loss started with 22-23, I went to a hair clinic in Germany. They took samples of my hair, checked it and said my hair loss is not alopecia. But also didn’t tell me why I have hair loss. But then again, why did finasteride slowed down shedding if it’s not alopecia?

Now the thing is, even though they said it’s not alopecia or mpb, I have the typical alopecia hair loss on the typical areas. Sides never fell out.

Coming to my question. I noticed that when my hair loss started, my scalp always hurted. You know the feeling when you hit your leg somewhere and get a bruise. When you touch it, it’s painful. That’s how my scalp felt and still feels, ever since. Sometimes less, sometimes more.

Now I wonder is that a usual thing for men with mpb? Do all men with alopecia have this pain in the scalp? Or do I probably have some inflammation going on? And if so, what can I do about it? Will it affect my newly transplanted hair?

 

[A_4_Archan]

@SeleYou had inflammation before HT or it started after HT? 

[Sele]

21 hours ago, A_4_Archan said:

@SeleYou had inflammation before HT or it started after HT? 

Unfortunately it seems I am only able to make 2-3 posts a day. Couldn’t reply yesterday. So if I have inflammation, it started 20 years ago. Didn’t start after HT.

Today is day 16 after HT and my shedding started. Pretty scary. I used 2 drops Rosemary oil mixed with coconut oil. I hope that was not too early and triggered shedding?

[A_4_Archan]

Shedding is a part of HT process...you will have to face shedding till 3 months...

If you had such a problem since so long than why didn't you tell your surgeon regarding this and why didn't you check your scalp before HT regarding this

[Sele]

I don’t wanna create a new thread for every question I have. So I ask here. I contacted my doctor asking him when I can start using oils (coconut oil mixed with rosemary, peppermint and lavender) and 2% ketoconazol. And he said I can start using it now. It’s been 18 days post op. What are the opinions here? How long to wait? In the web I saw people saying wait 3-4 months with ketoconazol. But then again people start using minoxidil in week 2-3 and that’s a chemical bomb as well. 

My scalp feels like before the transplant. What I mean by that is I have the urgent feel to wash my head all the time. Maybe I have some yeast and ketoconazol can help. Light Dandruff I always had. And pre HT I always had some small tiny marbles coming off when I scratched my head. I start to have that again. Not sure if that is something normal?

Edited July 24, 2023 by Sele

[mcr7777]

I'd suggest seeing a specialist hair dermatologist - if there is inflammation, something like a topical steroid might help (I have an inflmmatory hair condition and the topical steroids help me).  Diagnosing these conditions can be a challenge - hence it's best to find an expert hair doctor rather than a generalist.