Chemotherapy For Cancer Treament And Hair Loss

Chemotherapy For Cancer Treament And Hair Loss

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Chemotherapy Hair Loss Information

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.

Either sex has concerns about balding caused by cancer treatments. This process takes a toll, hurting the feelings of persons already ill. However, although such difficulties are fairly common, this process is not inevitable. Hair loss, and the extent to which it occurs is highly dependent upon which drugs, and at what quantity you are given.

Generally, the reasoning behind its occurrence is same as the reason why chemotherapy works for the treatment of cancer. Both cancer cells and type cells involved in hair growth are attacked rapidly by the drugs. The hair loss, in most cases, is temporary and it grows back on the completion of chemotherapy. It takes about one to two months for your hair to grow back after the end of chemotherapy. The initial color and texture of your hair may be different than before.

Hair loss during chemotherapy is not always avoidable, but there are a variety of methods which can assist in coping with the situation. Minoxidil (Rogaine being the best known trade name) does not stop hair loss, but there is some indication that it can slow down the hair loss, and regrowing the hair can occur at a quicker rate. Another more radical procedure is the application of ice packs to the scalp during chemotherapy to slow the blood flow and try to cut down on the damage to the area. There is some indication that this works to some degree in many patients, but it can be uncomfortable, and may have an increased risk of cancer in the scalp for the same reason that it reduces the initial hair loss from the chemotherapy.

You can lessen the visual impact of hair loss during chemotherapy treatments on your life by thinking ahead. Before beginning treatments, you should not do anything that could cause damage to your hair, such as coloring, bleaching or any other chemical process. Try to think ahead and decide if you are going to want to wear a wig during your treatments, or if you are simply going to cut your hair short or if you want to go ahead and shave your hair prior to treatment.

About the Author:
You can learn more about hair loss here: Hair Loss News. Check out our other hair loss articles including chemotherapy hair loss at http://Hair-Loss.Teach2.Us



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