I'm 25 yr old healthy male, Burning/stinging scalp sensation followed by hair loss in stinging areas after eating certain foods.

Question

Its been 2 years now that I have noticed that I have been having burning and stinging sensation followed by hair loss depending on what I eat; sugary, high carb or red meat. I have been to many dermatologists in Toronto/Richmond Hill and none of them have even looked or touched my hair before writing a prescription. Can anyone help me? I know DHT could be one factor but what connection would this have to the burning and loss of hair after eating something? Insulin Spike? Thanks in advance!

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Burning and stinging sensation with hair loss is not normal.  You need to see a doctor for a proper exam.  If you have been to a doctor and they do not examine your hair or scalp, ask them to examine it since you are having issues on your scalp.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You would need to be seen by a hair loss specialist for an up close examination. Unfortunately, it is impossible to diagnose based on the info provided.DHT and insulin are unlikely to be factors. However inflammation, especially from Malassezia yeast, are at the top of the list for many patients with these symptoms along with other causes of scalp inflammation such as scalp psoriasis. Be sure to see a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear moe1990,

Thank you for your clinical
post.  There are many genetic and
non-genetic causes for thinning hair and male pattern hair loss.  The symptoms you describe of burning and
stinging following certain foods and associated hair loss are likely
unrelated.  However, there are some
inflammatory conditions of a scalp where this may be comorbidity factors such
as seborrhea, psoriasis, rosacea, inflammatory mycobacterial and fungal
infections.  It is unlikely that these
processes would be associated with hair loss or male pattern alopecia, but
seeing a dermatologist with an expertise in causes of hair loss and medical
treatments of hair loss would be essential. 
Certainly Dr. Donovan, one of the experts on this RealSelf page is one
of the leading dermatologists for both the medical and surgical treatment of
hair.  Having your family physician refer
you to someone like this that they can do a thorough examination and try to
resolve the symptoms you experience with your scalp, at the same time some
medical ongoing medical treatment of male pattern hair loss.

Although these symptoms may be
related to the hair loss, they may be a separate phenomenon and seeing a true
medical hair loss specialist would be your next intervention.

I’ve been performing follicular unit
extraction transplantation for well over 15 years and this technique and
techniques are really reserved for a more advanced male pattern hair loss and
at this stage you are likely going to be best served by medical intervention
and not surgical.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You need a doctor who will examine you, not just look at you are prescribe something. There is not substitute for a good doctor's examination. Find a good doctor who will examine you. That is what I do.

I'm 25 yr old healthy male, Burning/stinging scalp sensation followed by hair loss in stinging areas after eating certain foods.

Answers (4)

Answer: Various symptoms and hair loss

Answer: Various symptoms and hair loss

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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I'm 25 yr old healthy male, Burning/stinging scalp sensation followed by hair loss in stinging areas after eating certain foods.

Answers (4)

Answer: Various symptoms and hair loss

Answer: Various symptoms and hair loss

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.