Chemotherapy remains one of the most popular treatment modalities for cancer; however, many patients constantly dread its side effects, especially the sudden hair loss seen in most Chemotherapy patients. In this case, we're investigating the causes of hair loss by Chemotherapy, what can be done to care for hair during the treatment, and the aspect of hair growing back after Chemotherapy.
Why does hair fall during Chemotherapy?
Alopecia (Hair Loss) is one of Chemotherapy's most visible side effects. To understand why Chemotherapy causes hair loss, we need to know how Chemotherapy works. Regular Chemotherapy (Cytotoxic Chemotherapy) uses non-targeted drugs to kill cancer cells. Cancer cells are identified by their ability to divide rapidly. Cytotoxic drugs (used in Chemotherapy) aim to destroy these rapidly dividing cells quickly or delay their growth. In the process, they also kill other healthy cells that divide quickly, such as hair follicles. Hair follicles get attacked rapidly quickly, leading to acute hair fall and, sometimes, balding.
Why don't all Chemotherapy patients lose hair?
Not all Chemotherapy drugs cause rapid hair loss. The degree of hair loss is different for different drug types. For example, Breast Cancer drugs cause the most hair loss. Each Chemotherapy treatment uses a specific mix of cancer drugs, which is why all Chemotherapy patients do not experience aggressive hair fall. Negligible side effects (such as hair thinning or partial balding) are still seen in most patients due to hair follicles being attacked.
How to care for hair during Chemotherapy?
It is recommended to take mild-to-gentle care of hair during Chemotherapy. It is recommended that patients don't wash their hair too often, and when washing their hair, they are advised to use mild shampoo. If a hair dryer is in use, it should be used at the lowest temperature setting available. Patients are strictly advised against color treatments or 'perms' while receiving Chemotherapy. Patients should also avoid using curlers or hard-surfaced brushes on their hair during this time.
Why don't all Chemotherapy patients lose hair?
Not all Chemotherapy drugs cause rapid hair loss. The degree of hair loss is different for different drug types. For example, Breast Cancer drugs cause the most hair loss. Each Chemotherapy treatment uses a specific mix of cancer drugs, which is why all Chemotherapy patients do not experience aggressive hair fall. Little side effects (such as hair thinning or partial balding) are still seen in most patients due to hair follicles being attacked.
How to care for hair during Chemotherapy?
It is recommended to take mild-to-gentle care of hair during Chemotherapy. It is recommended that patients don't wash their hair too often, and when washing their hair, they are advised to use mild shampoo. If a hair dryer is in use, it should always be used at the lowest temperature setting available. Patients are strictly advised against color treatments or 'perms' while receiving Chemotherapy. Patients should also avoid using curlers or hard-surfaced brushes on their hair during this time.
Aside from this, the right, balanced dietary habits can go a long way in supplementing hair health during Chemotherapy.
When does hair start falling during Chemotherapy?
Generally, Chemotherapy patients start losing hair in the first 2-3 weeks of their treatment. Some patients lose hair gradually, and in some cases, the change is more drastic – where they yield large quantities of hair (next to balding) very fast. By the time most people get to their second cycle of Chemotherapy, they go nearly/completely bald.
Does fallen hair grow back after Chemotherapy?
Any hair loss caused during Chemotherapy is not permanent, and this side effect should never act as a deterrent for people who have been advised to undergo Chemotherapy.
So, if someone considering or receiving Chemotherapy gets distressed about losing hair, give them the right emotional insights and tell them that the hair loss aspect is temporary and should never dissuade them from receiving the proper cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor before starting treatment. Consult the best Best Chemotherapy hair fall Treatment in Bangalore |
Offers
