Do anti histamines help with different types of hair loss? (Photo)

Question

Hello Doctors. Can antihistamines help with hair loss from androgenetic alopecia, to immune related hair loss such as areata, to scarring hair loss. Do they suppress the immune system? Is it wise to take over the counter low dose anti histamine as a preventive to prevent future alopecia areata spots from developing?

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

Hello,

Antihistamines are not a standard treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or scarring hair loss, but they can sometimes play a role in immune-related hair loss like alopecia areata. They don’t directly suppress the immune system but can help reduce inflammation and histamine activity, which may be beneficial in cases where inflammation contributes to hair loss.

While low-dose antihistamines are generally safe, they are not proven as a preventive measure for alopecia areata. If you’re concerned about future spots developing, it’s best to consult a specialist to explore more targeted treatments for hair loss prevention.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Antihistamines are primarily used to treat allergic reactions and may not directly address hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, or scarring hair loss. While there is some interest in the role of inflammation and the immune response in hair loss, antihistamines are not typically prescribed for these conditions.

Regarding their effect on the immune system, standard over-the-counter antihistamines do not significantly suppress immune function. However, their effectiveness as a preventive measure for conditions like alopecia areata is not well-established in clinical research.

If you are concerned about future hair loss or experiencing current hair loss, I recommend discussing this with your healthcare provider. They can help assess your situation and recommend appropriate treatments or preventive measures tailored to your needs.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Antihistamines have a role in many types of hair loss. topical cetirizine has some evidence of being helpful in androgenetic alopecia (although it’s weak evidence and it’s certainly nowhere near as good or effective as the main treatments).

In alopecia areata, oral cetirizine and fexofenadine may have a role too. Again, these are not the main players but they help. I can’t say if you yourself should be taking these treatments as I don’t know anything about your personal story and journey. I use them as treatment for some patients right now but no I don’t have patients take these to prevent AA. While there is evidence for use as a treatment, we don’t know about prevention. in other words, if you have patches or areas of alopecia, then yes this could be a useful “add on”.

As far as scarring alopecia goes, yes antihistamines appear to have benefit in LPP and FFA. Cetirizine at high doses has been studied in LPP. Just like alopecia, they are useful “add ons” sometimes rather than main treatments.

Antihistamines are not right for everyone and have side effects. so be sure to sit down with your doctors and have a really thorough discussion about these issues.

Do anti histamines help with different types of hair loss? (Photo)

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Do anti histamines help with different types of hair loss? (Photo)

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