Facts About Chemotherapy Hair Loss

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.

The emotional impact of hair loss, one of the many horrid side effects of chemotherapy, is genderless. Effecting men and women, the amount of hair loss or even whether you may be affected is dependent on the type and quantity of medicinal treatment that the cancer warrants. Nevertheless, hair loss, unfortunately is a likely side effect.

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.

The effect of the alopecia on your life can be reduced if you anticipate by taking certain steps. It is not advisable to dye, color or bleach the hair before treatment, as this places further stress on the hair. It is worth bearing in mind that the visual impact of the hair loss, which accompanies chemotherapy treatment, can be reduced by wearing a wig, shaving the hair beforehand or cutting it short.