Skin itching

[distorted12]

Hey,

I've been on propecia for about 5 - 6 months right now, but after two months I had unbearable itching. First i thought it was scabies because there were hive like symptoms and i had very similar side effects. I asked my doctor for an anti-histamine to reduce to side effects ( polaramine ) while i did my tests to make sure it was scabies. The results came back negative, and at this time i did not even think that it was propecia that could be the cause of it.

Since then i've been using the anti-histamine very regularly as it in effect makes the symptoms go away. However, now the fact that i use it regularly i fear that it is slowly causing eczema on my skin. ( I see the elasticity of the skin slowly )

Now, i really do not want to stop propecia, considering i'm 18 and have been having hair loss symptoms from about 17 this is the primary reason why I keep taking the anti-histamine even though i probably shouldn't. I recently moved to France and the symptoms started in winter, I'm not at all used to the cold so i'm kinda hoping on the fact that it could be in fact because of the cold. Maybe false hope, but hope anyway.

I haven't read an often lot of people who have the same symptoms? Is it that rare?
And if i were to be allergic to it, does that mean that propecia will not work anyway and thus taking the anti-histamine is no use ?

It really sucks if that's the case, because i'm not keen on giving up something that offers so much hope in my case.

I don't experience any other side effects, and in effect, an increased libido.

Please get back to me soon, would like this to get resolved!

Also, if i was allergic to propecia, as an alternative can i take avodart?

[Mark]

Hi Distorted12,

In the documentation from the FDA, there have been some reactions to finasteride....

What are the possible side effects of PROPECIA?

Like all prescription products, PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from
PROPECIA were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking PROPECIA.

In general use, the following have been reported: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; and testicular pain. You should promptly report to your doctor any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual side effects.

You may be allergic to finasteride. Have you tried stopping it and seeing if the itching goes away? That would be a pretty surefire way to see if the finasteride is causing the problem or not.

It's very difficult to tell if someone is going to be allergic to any particular drug. Sometimes people develop allergies that go away. The human body is an odd thing. You can try avodart, but I don't think that anyone can tell you with 100% certainty whether you will or won't have a reaction to it.

-Mark