Loosing hair and redness around eyes

Question
Hi Karen,
We've had Stretch (a dawrf hamster all white) for about a year and a half and he was about 6 weeks old when we got him. A few days ago we took him out of his cage to let him run around and noticed that he has lost his hair around his eyes and now near his nose; it does looks like there is some redness and swollen all over the areas. We usually use soft bedding instead of woodchips for him but the last go around we bought cedar chip so at this point my question is.... Could this be a bad reaction to the new bedding or is this due to him aging? Oh and we did quickly replaced the bedding to what we normally use just in case he is having a reaction to it. Any input you could give us would be great. Thank you for your help!!
Chance and Alex

Answer
Hi Chance,

    Although hamsters will sometimes loose their hair due to aging, I believe this was caused from the cedar bedding. This type of bedding is toxic to hamsters and can cause many different allergies. I am glad to hear that you have replaced it. Another bedding you shouldn't use with hamsters is pine. This is also toxic to them.
    Since you have changed the bedding, your hamster should start improving (not loose anymore hair). Most of the time the hair will grow back. Keep an eye on the redness and swelling. If this does not go away, within the next few days, or you notice pus coming from the eyes, then he should be seen by a vet as he could have an infection of the eye/s.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing!