Site Login
Advice On Hair Loss Associated With Chemotherapy
Hair loss would seem like a small issue and an even smaller price to pay in the grand scheme of cancer and the ultimate loss of life that cancer statistics remind us of. But humans don't always think rationally and the devastation felt by a person who looses their hair due to chemotherapy can cause a depletion of self-esteem and complete lack of motivation. No small issue to the victim of cancer, as the physical loss of hair is a constant, visual reminder of the physical illness that dwells within.
Either sex has concerns about balding caused by cancer treatments. This process takes a toll, hurting the feelings of persons already ill. However, although such difficulties are fairly common, this process is not inevitable. Hair loss, and the extent to which it occurs is highly dependent upon which drugs, and at what quantity you are given.
In a general sense the reason it occurs is similar to the same reason that chemotherapy can be effective in the treatment of cancer. The drugs attack rapidly growing cells which includes both cancer cells and the type cells involved in hair growth. The loss of hair is most often temporary and hair will grow again once the chemotherapy has been completed. Your hair will begin to grow again about one to two months after the end of chemotherapy, though the initial color and texture may be different than before.
There is no certain way to avoid hair loss in chemotherapy, but there are a variety of methods which have shown some promise in dealing with the situation. Minoxidil (Rogaine being the best known brand) doesn't stop hair loss but there is some indication it might slow the loss and regrowth may happen faster. Another rather radical method is the application of ice packs to the scalp to during chemotherapy to slow the blood flow and attempt to minimize the damage to this area. There is some indication that this works to some extent in many people but it is reportedly uncomfortable and may have some increased risk of cancer in that area due to the same reason it reduces the chemotherapy hair loss.
You can lessen the visual impact of hair loss during chemotherapy treatments on your life by thinking ahead. Before beginning treatments, you should not do anything that could cause damage to your hair, such as coloring, bleaching or any other chemical process. Try to think ahead and decide if you are going to want to wear a wig during your treatments, or if you are simply going to cut your hair short or if you want to go ahead and shave your hair prior to treatment.
