Hair loss chemotherapy -Prevention tips and advice

Hair loss chemotherapy is an unfortunate reality that many people suffering from cancer have to face.In fact chemotherapy itself is the use of chemicals to destroy cancer cells .In so doing the anticancer drugs don’t discriminate between the cells they destroy, they often kill normal cells, like those in hair follicles, resulting in rapid hair loss.

It is important to note that chemotherapy hair loss is not caused by all chemotherapy drugs, but it is a common after effect.

Hair loss chemotherapy may affect the scalp, facial, axillary, pubic and body hair. As such losing hair may vary from slight thinning to complete loss of hair, chemotherapy and hair loss occurs over a period of days or weeks. After completion of therapy, regrowth will normally occur in six to eight weeks. This is a great relief to know that its effect is not permanent, and healthy cells grow back normally once chemotherapy is completed.

Living with hair loss chemotherapy

According to the National Cancer Institute, many cancer patients who experience this problem choose to use wigs, hair pieces, scarves, chemo hats, and turbans. Some even leave their heads uncovered. While other patients prefer to cover their head in public and leave it uncovered at home. Being given that the most obvious chemotherapy hair loss is on the scalp, coping with the loss can be overwhelming If you plan to use a wig because of your hair loss due to chemotherapy, the National Cancer Institute recommends the purca of a wig before you lose a lot of hair. In this way you can find a wig that most closely matches your hair. Also, the wig will be ready to wear if you experience chemotherapy hair loss.But whatever the ways you choose to hide your tempory hair loss due to chemotherapy, the important thing is to be as comfortable as possible.

Hair loss chemotherapy prevention tips

In order to protect your hair from added stress, use mild shampoos and soft hair brushes.You sould also consider avoiding the use of heat appliances, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers. But if you must use heat appliances, use the lowest setting. If you experience hair loss, keep your scalp clean and moisturized to prevent skin breaks.The use of sunscreen, sun block, hat, scarf, or wig to protect your scalp from the sun is recommended. You should also avoid dyeing, perming or straightening your hair during treatment. Talk to your healthcare team to find out when you can begin these activities again.You can also get a shorter cut if you have long or medium-length hair. This will, thus,make your hair look fuller and thicker and it might also help to make any hair loss less dramatic for you.

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More on hair loss chemotherapy at hair loss treatment for baldness resource center