Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that can prevent cancer progression, aggravation and possible complications in many types of cancer. Although it can provide treatment, chemotherapy can also have serious side effects. Hair loss is one of the most feared and undesirable side effects of chemotherapy, not uncommon for men and women of all ages. It is important to inform the patient and explain possible complications before chemotherapy planning. There are various methods that can be applied to reduce hair loss. Although hair loss cannot be prevented in most types of chemotherapy, the effects of hair loss, which can be a source of serious stress, can be managed. Although it varies from person to person, hair loss is generally common during chemotherapy, but types of chemotherapy that cause less hair loss have also been reported.
Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Hair Loss?
Chemotherapy drugs are drugs that aim to attack and destroy cancer cells that grow and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Chemotherapy drugs can also attack healthy cells and cause harmful effects on all growing cells in the body, including hair follicles. Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy agents may target structures such as hair follicles along with the tumor. Not only hair loss but also hair loss in other areas is an expected effect of chemotherapy. Eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic and armpit hair are examples of body hair that can be shed. Not all chemotherapy drugs are equally effective, and some chemotherapy drugs may have a higher risk of causing hair loss than others. The dosage and duration of chemotherapy drugs and the number of cycles are also important. A wide range of effects are possible, from hair thinning, thinning and lifelessness to complete hair loss. Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, can also attack fast-growing healthy cells in the body. For this reason, it is possible to see hair loss during radiation therapy. The most important difference between hair loss due to radiotherapy and hair loss due to chemotherapy is the regional application of radiation therapy. Therefore, radiation-induced hair loss is usually associated with the application of radiation to the head area.
What are the precautions that can be taken for hair loss during chemotherapy?
There is nothing that can be said for sure in terms of hair loss during chemotherapy. It is not possible to guarantee that hair will not fall out during or after chemotherapy treatment. There is no definitive way to prevent hair loss, but studies are continuing for possible measures and treatment methods. There are some methods used to prevent hair loss due to chemotherapy. Scalp cooling system or some drugs approved for hair loss are among the methods that can be preferred according to the opinion of the specialist doctor. The scalp cooling system (scalp hypothermia) has been found successful in many experiments, but it cannot be said to provide a definitive solution. A serious side effect of the scalp cooling principle is that it may increase the risk of recurrence or formation of cancer on the scalp, as the head cannot receive chemotherapy treatment at the same dose and duration as the other parts of the body due to cooling. Scalp hypothermia can also cause serious discomfort such as severe headache and numbness. Chemotherapy-related hair loss is a side effect that generally cannot be prevented or controlled, but process management is possible.
What are the Ways to Cope with Hair Loss During Chemotherapy?
The number of people who do not experience hair loss during chemotherapy is quite low compared to those who experience hair loss problems. There are certain steps that can be taken to manage the hair loss process in order to cope with stress and minimize anxiety and sadness.
- Taking care of hair care before chemotherapy treatment is one of the recommended practices. Avoiding dyeing your hair or permanent styling such as perm can prevent your hair from weakening and falling out more easily. Avoiding hot applications, tools such as blow dryers and curling irons, and drying the hair in natural air are among the precautions that can be taken.
- Strengthening hair and keeping it healthy before starting chemotherapy treatment can delay hair loss somewhat. Cutting the hair before chemotherapy can both make the hair look thicker and reduce the rate of detection as the amount of hair loss increases. However, getting used to using short hair makes it easier for the patient to transition to a new look when there is complete hair loss. There are also various methods preferred to cover the head, such as scarves and wigs. Trials before chemotherapy may lead to an improvement in the patient’s mood.
- Using a clean shampoo or soap, combing the hair gently and with a soft-headed comb, and paying attention to hygiene rules are among the expert recommendations during chemotherapy treatment.
- Protecting the scalp is as important as protecting the hair. During chemotherapy treatment, the scalp may become sensitive and prone to infections. Avoiding extreme cold and direct exposure to sunlight prevents irritation on the scalp. Since hair loss may cause coldness at first, a hat or scarf that suits the person can be chosen. In some cases, shaving all the hair makes the process easier. Itching and sensitivity on the scalp may be expected in some patients during the chemotherapy process.
It is important to continue to pay the same attention to hair and scalp after chemotherapy treatment. Since newly developing and growing hair can be fragile, choosing shampoo and comb are important points that need to be taken into consideration. Processes such as heat styling, drying and dyeing should be avoided until the vulnerable new and sensitive hair gains strength. The most important thing after chemotherapy treatment is to be patient and hopeful. It may take some time for the hair to grow back and regain its previous appearance, and this is the same for almost every patient. Repairing damage caused by treatment for cancer can be a long and difficult process. Joining support groups consisting of cancer patients, expert therapists and doctors, and keeping in touch with people going through the same processes can be a good option for coping with difficulties and being patient.
When Does Hair Start to Lose During Chemotherapy?
Hair loss due to chemotherapy is an expected situation for the majority of cancer patients. Hair loss is not expected at the same time and severity in every patient. Do patients receiving chemotherapy often lose hair after 4 cycles of chemotherapy? or when to expect hair loss? They ask questions like. The level of hair loss may vary depending on the type of cancer, the type and dose of the drug, the patient’s genetic structure and lifestyle. In the majority of patients, the first hair loss period is expected within 2 to 4 weeks of the start of treatment. Hair may be lost rapidly, either in bulk or gradually. Since the upper parts of the head and above the ears are the areas that come into most contact with the surface during sleep, the first hair loss can be seen in these areas. The accumulation of hair on pillows, combs, and bath and shower drains are usually the first indicators. Hair loss may occur throughout the treatment process and for several weeks after treatment ends. Hair loss is not expected to be the same for everyone. Chemotherapy hair loss problem, which varies from person to person, usually ends within 3 months.
When Does Hair Grow After Chemotherapy?
After chemotherapy treatment, hair regrowth often begins gradually, 1-3 months after the end of treatment. In some patients, the newly growing hair may have a different strength, color and structure than the old hair. Such changes are usually not permanent, and after a while, the hair and scalp can completely regain their previous appearance. Hair loss is a common point of many chemotherapy treatments, and most patients receiving chemotherapy encounter this problem. Managing the process with the most appropriate method for the person, collaborating with a specialist healthcare team and being patient can accelerate both the treatment process and spiritual recovery.
