subject: Hair Loss Caused By Chemotherapy [print this page] It is a common observation that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy lose most if not all their hair. Chemotherapy is a treatment to destroy cancer cells that multiply and grow in the body. Severe hair loss caused by chemotherapy cannot be neutralized. It is a side effect, inhibiting the growth of hair and causing them to shed off. The loss of hair is immediate right after a chemotherapy session. It is usually progressive but swift, lasting no more than 1-3 weeks after treatment.
Up to 90% of hair can be adversely affected right away while the other 10% are usually in their telogen or resting phase even before the treatment has started. The result can be complete total hair loss. Some hair follicles produce narrower, finer and weaker hair strands that break off easily.
A Temporary Loss of Hair
Hair follicles are not destroyed in chemotherapy. They can resume the normal growth cycle after the chemotherapy regimen is successfully done. Many former cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy report regaining a healthier set of hair back. While some patients report getting thicker hair growth than before. There are cases when the hair texture is different, from curly to straight. Hair color can also be different. For sure, there is now known medication to neutralize the side effect of chemotherapy. There are only some palliatives you can do.
Adopting to Hair Loss in Chemotherapy
Accepting the fact that hair loss is inevitable in chemotherapy is the first step. After all, its now a matter of survival and getting distressed over hair loss takes the back seat. But cancer patients can adapt to hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Upon the advice of their doctors, patients usually shave off their heads rather than suffer the progressive loss of hair everyday. Patients can then wear different hair pieces to cover their bald head, especially among women.
