Hair Loss During Chemotherapy

                                      Hair Enhancements of Pittsburgh  

     Scientists have made a great deal of progress in developing therapies to help

prevent and manage the side effects of chemotherapy. Newer supportive care

treatments have led to vast improvements in the management of symptoms

associated with cancer treatment. Although chemotherapy is designed to treat

cancer cells, unfortunately, it often affects parts of your body not directly affected

by the cancer itself. The undesired result is referred to as a complication of

treatment, or a side effect. Side effects from chemotherapy can include pain,

diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, blood related side effects

and hair loss. Chemotherapy hair loss is one of the most physically and

psychologically distressing side effects of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and

radiation. Alopecia medicamentosa, the baldness that results from chemotherapy

and radiation, is absolutely devasting to the mindset of male and female cancer

patients. The threat of alopecia can cause some patients to refuse potentially

curative or medically proven adjunctive chemotherapy.

     Most oncologists however, are not concerned about their patient’s baldness

because hair loss is generally transient and not life-threatening. Very often they

recommend that their patients wear wigs or hats. On the other hand, the suffering

patients tend to fear hair loss as one of the dreaded side effects of their cancer

treatment even knowing that it is potentially reversible.

                                                         OPTIONS

     For many women,wigs are the way to respond to hair loss, while others prefer

hats, scarves or turbans. And some wear their baldness proudly. There’s no right

option...just whatever makes you feel most comfortable. The earlier you begin

thinking about what you’d like to do, the smoother your transition will be.

                           TAKE ACTION TO COPE WITH HAIR LOSS

     Hair loss is a temporary side effect of chemotherapy. After you’ve completed

your chemo treatment, your hair will grow back and may look different than the hair

you previously had. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you cope with the

temporary hair loss:

• Cut your hair before it falls out. The experience of losing hair is sometimes worse than dealing with it once it’s gone. If you expect to lose all or a lot of your hair, cutting it first may be easier.

• Plan ahead. Shop for a wig before your hair is gone, especially if you wish to match your natural color. Or take this opportunity to try a different color.

• Try hats or head scarves; these are good alternatives or a complement to a wig.

• Remember to cover your head or use sunscreen on your scalp. Skin that has beencovered with hair may be particularly sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.

• Some insurance companies cover the cost of a wig (cranial prosthetic). Talk to your insurer.

• Treat your new hair gently once it grows back. Avoid chemicals, bleach, peroxide, or colors.

• The American Cancer Society’s program “Look Good...Feel Better” has materials available covering cranial prosthesis (wig) information and pointers on head coverings. Get your free copy by calling 1-800-395-LOOK.

            For additional information contact, Hair Enhancements of Pittsburgh

       at the Hillman Cancer Center (412) 623-3777 * www.HairEnhancements.net        

                     FREE CONSULTATION • PRIVATE • INFORMATIVE

 

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