Hair loss in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) patients is often linked to corticosteroid use, chronic illness, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. While hair loss can be distressing, it is usually manageable with appropriate care.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not adjust the dose of any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.
Here’s a detailed guide to addressing it:

1. Identify the Cause

  • Corticosteroids: Long-term or high-dose steroid use can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or shedding.
  • Stress and Illness: Chronic health conditions and emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Conditions like vitamin D, iron, zinc, or biotin deficiency may contribute to hair thinning.
  • Itraconazole: can sometimes cause alopecia (baldness/hair loss) as a side effect.

2. Medical Management

  • Adjust Medications:
    • Speak with your doctor about the possibility of reducing corticosteroid doses or switching to inhaled options if feasible.
  • Treat Underlying Deficiencies:
    • Have your doctor check levels of key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and zinc. Supplements may help if deficiencies are identified.
  • Antifungal Therapy:
    • Controlling fungal activity in ABPA with medications like itraconazole may indirectly reduce inflammatory stress on the body.

3. Improve Scalp Health

  • Gentle Hair Care:
    • Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos to avoid irritating the scalp.
    • Avoid over-washing, which can strip the scalp of natural oils.
  • Scalp Massage:
    • Massage your scalp gently with natural oils like coconut, argan, or castor oil to improve circulation and promote hair growth.

4. Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet

  • Protein:
    • Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. Ensure you consume lean meats, fish, eggs, or plant-based proteins.
  • Iron-Rich Foods:
    • Include spinach, lentils, and red meat to support oxygen delivery to hair follicles.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
    • Found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, omega-3s nourish hair and promote a healthy scalp.
  • Biotin:
    • Found in eggs, nuts, and seeds, biotin supports keratin production.
  • Hydration:
    • Drink enough water to maintain skin and hair health.

5. Stress Management

  • Chronic stress exacerbates hair loss, so consider techniques to manage it:
    • Mindfulness or Meditation.
    • Breathing Exercises like diaphragmatic breathing.
    • Yoga or Gentle Exercise, which can reduce stress and improve circulation.

6. Avoid Harsh Treatments

  • Limit the use of:
    • Heat styling tools (flat irons, curling irons).
    • Chemical treatments (bleaching, perms).
    • Tight hairstyles that can pull on the scalp and weaken hair.

7. Psychological Support

  • Hair loss can affect self-esteem. Consider joining a support group or speaking with a therapist to manage the emotional impact.

8. Patience and Consistency

  • Hair regrowth can take time. It’s normal for noticeable improvements to take 3–6 months after addressing the underlying causes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • If hair loss is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms (e.g., scaling, itching, or rash), consult a dermatologist or your healthcare provider.