Facts on chemotherapy caused baldness

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.

One of the worst and frequently reported side effects of chemotherapy is that it induces loss of hair, which is emotionally very upsetting both for men and women. However, in such cases the loss of hair and the degree of hair loss largely depends on type of medicines, quantity of dosages taken per day and period of medical treatment

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 guarantee that hair will not fall when someone is treated with chemotherapy. There are, however, several treatments that may make the situation more manageable. There is some indication that Minoxidil may slow the rate of loss and encourage regrowth more quickly. Rogaine is a name brand that is well known. A method that is considered alternative is applying ice packs during chemotherapy to slow the blood flow to the scalp, with the intent of minimizing damage to the area. To some extent, there have been reports of this being effective. Some, however, some have reported it as uncomfortable and risk may increase for the same reason it preserves hair.

You can minimize to some extent the impact of the hair loss on your life if you plan ahead. You should not engage in any activities which stress your hair prior to treatment, such as bleaching, coloring, or dying your hair. You can consider whether you are going to use a wig or perhaps cut your hair short or even shave you head prior to treatment to minimize the visual impact of the hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.