posted
Since starting Lyme treatment (currently on azithromycin and ceftin for Bb and bactrim for bartonella) a few months ago, my hair has started to get dry and...just icky. Getting it cut short (chin length) helped, but my stylist could totally tell I've been on meds.
Also, my nails have gotten so weak. They've never been very strong, but now they tear right across the quick with the slightest provocation. It's both painful and rather unsightly.
I'm not a girly girl, nor am I particularly vain, but these two things have really been bugging me. When I don't feel well, it helps to be able to look in the mirror and think that at least I look like I'm able to perform basic beauty maintenance. It helps me remember that I'm not *completely* falling apart.
Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice? Preferably cheap-ish options? (You know how Lyme can suck up your money...)
Thanks a bunch! I'm new here, and it's great to have a community of people who are so supportive.
-Anna (dx'ed August 2008, sick since November 2007)
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I started taking the Now brand of Vitamin D3, and it has helped my nails a lot. They weren't bad to begin with, but I noticed a difference in my nails after taking D3 for other reasons, so you might want to start taking that. I now take about 2000 IU per day. It has to be D3 though, not D2.
I have heard that bartonella patients have low levels of D. But you might want to get it tested, or consult with your doctor....people differ on their opinions on how much D is too much, etc.
Also, I think there are other brands better than the Now brand, it is just what I happened to get, and I think it is suspended in oil in the capsules which is good I think.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I've been taking vitamin D for about a year now. I live in Seattle, where about 90% of the population has low D levels. Last winter I was *very* low, so I started on supplements.
I just got my level tested again, and I'm right in the middle of normal. I do take D3 daily, but it hasn't helped the nails.
Posts: 398 | From By the Salish Sea | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
There is a lot of differing opinion on whether lymies should be supplementing D.
Many people here have these hair and nail problems. I have assumed it was thyroid related. Lyme disease often affects the thyroid.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
I have been doing antibiotics off and on for 4 months and my hair has been falling out by the handfuls,(it dries faster but it is REALLY thin and what remains is brittle). It is vanity but I want to feel that I don't look as bad as I feel, that helps. I am also 51 and had been experiencing some menopausal hair loss before lyme but this is way more than that. My thyroid is fine. My lyme doc had recommended suglingual DHEA from douglas labs. I have ordered it ($8.95!)but haven't received it yet. Will keep you posted.
Posts: 27 | From SW VA | Registered: Aug 2008
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
A healthy fix for nails,,maybe hair,dunno on that,,,
BUT,,,Nails are sure helped by buying packs of knox gelatin
and dissolving in orange juice,,,or suuny delight
gulp it down every day and in a couple weeks your nails will be wonderful.
there is one kind of knox to buy or not to buy,,,I forgot now what that was,,,too long ago since I did that one!!
Me thinks it is your supposed to use the unflavored kind,,,thats where the orange juice comes in!!
A neighbor,,,when I first had arthritis probs(and didnt know why) said his wife was cured of same ills,,,,use this,,,knox and oj,,,it will fix ya right up,,,
worked for her,,,didnt help for me,,,guess its the story of my life!!(course she may NOT have had lyme)
My nails crack and peel at the slighest bump,,,I quit looking at them!! And nobody else to look at them HERE!!says--just don--
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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