HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Scalp Issues, Foul Smell, And Hair Loss After Methamphetamine Use?

Yes whenever use meth, very odd things happen to scalp. All different types of dandruff/skin/scabs will shoot off very far and also the smell is very foul. I also have a weird liquid that s white that shoots out too. Not to mention I have lost a TON of hair. I used to have thick long hair before this
Fri, 3 May 2024
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Taper the Methamphetamine dose everyday. Get connected to a detox center that will help you come out of meth addiction successfully. It will help you participate in groups so that you will not feel lonely. Make necessary lifestyle changes. You are advised to cut hair quite short so that you can take care of your scalp. You can also remove all hair so that scalp can be kept clean and heal faster.

Toxins in meth cause a decrease in blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles thus making the scalp prone to infection. Other cause that can cause hair loss are vitamin deficiency and hereditary factors. Meth also causes higher level of stress hormone cortisol in meth users, thus affecting the scalp blood supply and hair loss.

Meth interferes with certain vital vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth, such as iron and zinc, thus causing alopecia areata, patchy baldness. Take healthy nutritious food rich in minerals, vitamin and high in protein. Do not miss meals, take adequate food, water and fluids.

Clean your hair and scalp with Selsun shampoo to get rid of dandruff. Keep the scalp dry and clean. Apply clotrimazole cream on the area affected to get rid of fungal infection. You can take a short course (5 days) of antibiotic orally like augmentin to get rid of scalp infection. Switching to healthy diet, healthy lifestyle will help to get rid of the symptoms. Alopecia due to meth use is reversible with low-level laser therapy.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Scalp Issues, Foul Smell, And Hair Loss After Methamphetamine Use?

Hello, Taper the Methamphetamine dose everyday. Get connected to a detox center that will help you come out of meth addiction successfully. It will help you participate in groups so that you will not feel lonely. Make necessary lifestyle changes. You are advised to cut hair quite short so that you can take care of your scalp. You can also remove all hair so that scalp can be kept clean and heal faster. Toxins in meth cause a decrease in blood supply to the scalp and hair follicles thus making the scalp prone to infection. Other cause that can cause hair loss are vitamin deficiency and hereditary factors. Meth also causes higher level of stress hormone cortisol in meth users, thus affecting the scalp blood supply and hair loss. Meth interferes with certain vital vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy hair growth, such as iron and zinc, thus causing alopecia areata, patchy baldness. Take healthy nutritious food rich in minerals, vitamin and high in protein. Do not miss meals, take adequate food, water and fluids. Clean your hair and scalp with Selsun shampoo to get rid of dandruff. Keep the scalp dry and clean. Apply clotrimazole cream on the area affected to get rid of fungal infection. You can take a short course (5 days) of antibiotic orally like augmentin to get rid of scalp infection. Switching to healthy diet, healthy lifestyle will help to get rid of the symptoms. Alopecia due to meth use is reversible with low-level laser therapy. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician