My ANA test for three years has come back normal, but I continue to get lesions, my hair falls out, and I get sick easily. I have been to two rheumatologists. Both say I do not have SLE, but my family doctor feels I do. What do you think?

I was also told that because I only have discoid lupus, this would not cause any health problems other than with my skin and hair. So why do I have it in my nose and inside both ears? I’m now 33, my bones are brittle, and I have osteoarthritis in my hands and fingers. Help!

DEAR READER: Whew, where to start? Some children have impaired immune systems, making them subject to numerous disorders. My guess is that you were unfortunate enough to fall into that category.

There are a number of forms of lupus, which is an autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs and other parts of the body. Common symptoms include skin rash, kidney problems, arthritis and unexplained fever.

Discoid lupus is a chronic skin disorder that shows as a raised red rash that ordinarily appears on the face and scalp but can appear in other areas of the body, including the nose and ears. The lesions may last for days or years and can recur. Some people diagnosed with discoid lupus may develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at a later date.

Because arthritis is a common complaint, it’s not at all surprising that you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, chronic pain in muscles and ligaments.

Pleurisy is swelling of the lung linings that causes pain and breathlessness during inhalation and exhalation. Causes include acute viral infections, such as influenza, and can be the result of autoimmune disorders, such as lupus.

Kidney stones and related infections have numerous causes, including dehydration, obesity, genetic factors and a diet high in protein/sugar/sodium.

Vertigo can be caused by an inner-ear disorder, migraine headache, acoustic neuroma and other causes.
Depression and anxiety can be caused by lupus, fibromyalgia, kidney stones and vertigo. You have a lot on your plate, and it has obviously resulted in a lot of stress. Osteoarthritis, a breakdown of cartilage, causes pain and stiffness of affected joints. The condition is commonly associated with the aging process, but at 33, you are far from old. Treatment is geared toward controlling pain through medication, rest, exercise and protection of the affected joint(s).

Because so many of your symptoms involve pain, I’m inclined to suggest that you be referred to a pain clinic for control or request a referral to a larger diagnostic center, such as the Mayo Clinic. You will learn methods for reducing the level of pain you presently experience that may include water aerobics and yoga. Appropriate medication might be ordered. Once you get that aspect under control, the anxiety and stress levels you are under may be reduced.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fibromyalgia.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Am I correct that now he should see a dermatologist? I don’t think he’s stressed.

DEAR READER: I’m not all that sure your son suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. In most cases, with the various types of alopecia, hair falls out in small patches about the size of a quarter. It can regrow in the same areas but may fall out again, repeating the pattern. Severe cases result in complete loss of hair over the entire body. Treatment to promote hair growth may include minoxidil (Rogaine), topical creams and corticosteroids.

An individual suffering from alopecia will not ordinarily have other autoimmune difficulties but could have an increased incidence of nasal allergies, atopic eczema, asthma and thyroid disorder.

Most people shed up to 100 hairs every day and don’t bald. And thinning hair is often a part of the aging process that occurs because of hormonal changes. Balding occurs when the rate hair sheds surpasses the rate it grows. Causes can include having diabetes or lupus; scalp infection such as ringworm; a hair-pulling disorder, such as exhibited with mental illness; medical treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation for cancer; use of specific medications for arthritis, high blood pressure, some cardiac conditions or gout; several forms of alopecia; and still more. A specific diagnosis can be made through scalp scrapings and other methods. Your son may have a hormonal or medical disorder. I would defer to his primary-care physician regarding involving a dermatologist.

Rogaine is an over-the-counter medication to slow hair loss and promote new growth for androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. It is rubbed onto the scalp twice daily, and it may take up to 12 weeks before any progress is seen.

It is up to your son to determine whether he can adapt to early baldness or whether he is so concerned that he chooses to consider a wig, surgical implant or medication. If he is under a great deal of stress at work or in his private life, he may wish to address that issue as well.

DEAR READER: It has been some time since I mentioned that specific article and remedy for thinning hair, but I believe it to be Tresemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume. Brands of shampoo with supplemental B and E vitamins and as well as biotin and conditioners with E should be your best bet.

My problem is that my bangs have become very thin and I have a semi-bald spot at the top of that area. I also seem to be losing a lot of hair while showering. Is there anything I can eat, supplements or herbal remedies that I can take, or a procedure that can correct this problem or at least stop it from continuing? I have become self-conscious about this and hope you have some suggestions. I will truly try anything.

DEAR READER: As I have stated in the past, there are a number of reasons for hair loss and female-pattern baldness. You might begin with blood tests, particularly of the B vitamins. While you indicate you take a one-a-day vitamin, biotin and B12 deficiencies are commonly the cause of the problem. Then there’s stress, hormonal changes, iron deficiency, a family history, specific skin diseases, some medications and a number of other possibilities. Read the fine print on your daily supplements to determine if thinning hair can be a minute but distinct possibility. If you color or otherwise treat your hair, use a blow-dryer, or get perms, I recommend you discontinue the practice. What should be understood, however, is that damage to your hair from harsh products has no impact on hair loss that results from a medical problem.

Rule out all obvious possibilities. Then speak with your physician regarding the use of minoxidil, the only FDA-approved medication to combat hair loss. On the downside, it is an expensive treatment and once you discontinue it, the thinning and baldness will continue once again.

Review your diet. If appropriate, consider adding walnuts, fish, soy, poultry and eggs. While there is no scientific evidence to substantiate the recommendation, green tea is a good source of antioxidants and may slow the progression. Good luck. Keep me informed.

DEAR READER: Fungal scalp infections, also known as tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp, are relatively common. Caused by a moldlike fungus, the condition is very contagious.

Symptoms include scalp itch, inflammation, pus-filled lesions, small black dots on the scalp and areas of the head that appear bald because the hair has literally broken off.

As a general rule, oral antifungal prescription medications are more effective on a greater variety of fungi. Topical ointments control surface fungi only. Less expensive (and perhaps better) home treatments include tea-tree oil, grape-seed extract, (green) black walnut and the juice from fig leaves.

Because the condition thrives in areas of poor hygiene and skin injuries, it is recommended that hair be washed regularly and allowed to dry completely. Avoid scratching an itchy scalp. Do not use a sharp-toothed comb. And, of extreme importance, do not share a comb, brush, towel for drying the scalp, or hats and headscarves that haven’t been cleaned. Sharing such articles will simply pass the fungus from one person to another. Ringworm is also known to be spread by pets, particularly cats.

If a physician is unable through visual exam to make a diagnosis, biopsy and other procedures are available. The disorder is persistent and will require meticulous attention.

To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

Both my husband and I have had significant thinning of our hair so despite my skepticism, we gave it a try. After about two months of daily use my husband began to notice all kinds of new hair coming in. He even went to his hairdresser who confirmed that he had what she called “pingers” all over his head. (She told us that “pingers” are hairs that about ½ – ¾ inches in length, equal to about two months of growth).

Encouraged by this, I went to see my hairdresser a few days later (as I hadn’t noticed anything because I have long hair). She, too, confirmed new growth. Both ladies were amazed and have decided to recommend the Tresemme products to their clients.

I feel I have to say that we did not use the exact products you mentioned but both the shampoo and conditioner had vitamin E, aloe, and had stickers saying they were new formulations that contained keratin. The shampoo was the recommended one but the conditioner was one formulized for color-treated hair. Oh, if it makes a difference, we also take a daily multivitamin.

DEAR READER:
I have printed your letter about this remedy for hair growth. Both you and your husband have experienced new growth and had this confirmed by your individual hairdressers. As these “specialists” deal with hair on a regular basis, they certainly know better than most what new hair growth looks like.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR READER:
While no formal studies have been conducted, there are reports of pregnant women who have taken prenatal vitamins and have noticed an increase in hair thickness and growth.

Prenatal vitamins differ from regular multi-vitamins in that they contain elevated amounts of calcium, iron and folic acid. An increase in calcium is required because a woman needs stronger bones to be able to carry the additional weight of a baby to full-term. Additional iron is necessary because it helps the body make new blood to carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Folic acid has been proven to prevent spina bifida, a neural tube defect.

Folic acid is one of the B complex vitamins available in many hair-growth formulas on the market today. It is reported to cause hair to grow faster, and the strands to become thicker. According to several hair loss experts and dermatologists there are various ways to treat hair loss. Rogaine is an excellent choice but if you choose to go a more natural route, they recommend that blood tests be done to rule out anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and copper deficiency. Biotin, B vitamins, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids (such as omega 3 oil) are all necessary for proper hair, skin and nail health. Saw palmetto has shown promise in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia which is caused by the some of the same hormones that cause hair loss.

If you choose to try a vitamin regimen I recommend you use a multi-vitamin since you are not pregnant. If you want to read more about natural hair loss treatments, I recommend you go to www.WebMD.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/features/treating-hair-loss-naturally?page=1. Let me know how you make out.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Fads: Vitamins and Minerals”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

I had sincere doubts that a solution as simple as this could actually remedy baldness, especially after the eons of money and research that have been put into curing it.

Despite this, I decided to try it and the weekend after the article appeared I went to my local supermarket (in the suburb of a major city) and found that every bottle of that certain shampoo and conditioner was gone. The hole it left was rather large since that brand had a lot of self spaced allotted to it. I was surprised by this but then realized that your column is a great medium to plug products.

I am now of the conclusion that there was no lady married to a bald man who used these products. I assume there is a real writer who has a personal interest in the company and stands to profit if the sales go up. Perhaps that person is you.

DEAR READER:
I am somewhat offended by your accusation but can understand the thought behind it. I will confirm that I do not have any relation to the product or company and do not stand to profit in any way from its sale. This is true for ALL the products I mention in my column, with the only exception (for obvious reasons) being my books. Again, I will declare that I do not endorse any products because I have been paid to do so. I simply mention them for reader interest and if results are overwhelmingly positive, I suggest them to others so they, too, can benefit. If it is inexpensive, safe and easy, I will probably suggest it at least once.

I am an old-fashioned, curmudgeon man who believes that home remedies are sometimes a valid option; especially in today’s society and economy of dwindling money values, drug-pushing physicians and manufacturers.

People, it’s time to get back to basics. Money may make the world go ‘round, but that is only because we made it so. If we, as a society, stand up and say “No more!”, changes will happen.

If everyone weren’t in such a rush, most of today’s “conveniences” wouldn’t even exist, such as TV dinners, fast food restaurants and drive-thrus. If everyone ate healthfully and exercised daily, most of these home remedies wouldn’t be necessary. But they are, so I recommend them because they are beneficial.

Even though you doubt it works, many readers have benefited from Tresemme Silk Protein Healthy Volume Shampoo and Tresemme Vitamin E (for dry/damaged hair) Conditioner and I will continue to promote it because it is safe, effective and inexpensive.

For any reader who is interested in learning more about some of the more successful home remedies, I recommend you order my “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” Health Report. It is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

They work great! My hair has started to come back thicker, stronger and healthier than before. I also use TreSemme hair spray and have found that it is not sticky like other products and doesn’t alter the beneficial effects of the shampoo and conditioner. I would like to thank the reader for the suggestion and you for being brave enough to print it in your column. Thank you!

DEAR READER:
I have had several letters similar to yours from readers who have success with the TreSemme products. Like everything else, it does not work for everyone but thankfully there are other options. Other seemingly effective treatments (based on the letters I have received) include taking a daily folic acid supplement or B-complex tablet. Folic acid is one of the B-vitamins which may explain why the B-complex is also effective.

Hair loss, especially in women, can be devastating and many hair replacement techniques are costly. Simple home remedies are more preferable and I am happy to say work for many.

DEAR READER:
The average healthy scalp contains 100,000 hairs and each strand survives about 4 ½ years. Oddly enough, approximately 100 hairs are lost from the average head daily.

A perm will produce waves or curls and can be done at home or professionally by a beautician. Those sold for home use are full of chemicals and can be extremely harsh, especially on fine-textured hair. In fact, a great deal of hair can fall out following a home perm during the simple act of combing. Those done by beauticians are safer and not as harsh.

There are several reasons for hair loss. Some medications can weaken hair, causing it to fall out or break, resulting in split ends. Chemo and radiation therapy can cause hair loss, but both are vital treatments for fighting cancer. Emotional or physical stress, thyroid disease, hormonal changes, excessive shampooing, and blow drying are also linked to hair loss. Speak with your physician to determine if the perm is, indeed, the cause of your problem.