Facts on chemotherapy caused baldness

Many people dislike chemotherapy of cancer because of a side effect of hair loss. It reduces acceptance and demotivates the patient. When it comes to somebody's life and death, hair loss is a very minor thing and has to be neglected. But it is a human nature not to accept this situation logically. Instead, many people taking such therapy become emotionally disturbed and make this a very big issue.

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.

Hair loss is one of the side effects of cancer treatment most commonly linked to chemotherapy. The reason chemotherapy causes hair loss is the way that chemotherapy targets cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the fastest growing and multiplying cells, so chemotherapy works by attacking fast growing cells. Unfortunately, hair cells are also fast growing, so chemotherapy kills off the living cells of the hair follicles causing it to fall out. Luckily though, this hair loss is usually temporary (though it might grow back with different texture and color).

There is no guarantee that hair will not fall when someone is treated with chemotherapy. There are, however, several treatments that may make the situation more manageable. There is some indication that Minoxidil may slow the rate of loss and encourage regrowth more quickly. Rogaine is a name brand that is well known. A method that is considered alternative is applying ice packs during chemotherapy to slow the blood flow to the scalp, with the intent of minimizing damage to the area. To some extent, there have been reports of this being effective. Some, however, some have reported it as uncomfortable and risk may increase for the same reason it preserves hair.

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.