Chemotherapy is a form of treatment that can prevent cancer progression, aggravation and possible complications in many types of cancer. In addition to being able to provide treatment, chemotherapy can also have serious side effects. Hair loss is among the most feared and undesirable side effects of chemotherapy for individuals of all ages, both men and women. It is important to inform the patient and explain the complications that may occur before chemotherapy planning. There are various methods that can be applied to reduce hair loss. Although hair loss cannot be prevented definitively in most types of chemotherapy, the effects of hair loss, which can be a source of serious stress, on the person can be managed. Although it varies from person to person, hair loss in chemotherapy is generally common, but less hair loss chemotherapy types have also been reported. These are drugs that aim to attack and destroy cells. Chemotherapy drugs can also attack healthy cells and cause harmful effects on hair follicles and all growing cells in the body. Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy agents may also target structures such as hair follicles along with the tumor. Not only hair loss, but also hair loss in other regions is an expected effect of chemotherapy. Eyelashes, eyebrows, pubic and armpit hair are examples of body hair that can fall out. Not all chemotherapy drugs are equally effective, and some chemotherapy drugs may have a higher risk of causing hair loss than others. The dose and duration of administration of chemotherapy drugs and the number of cycles are also important. It is possible to have a wide range of effects, which can go up to the complete loss of hair, only with thinning, thinning and lifeless hair. Radiation therapy can also attack fast-growing healthy cells in the body, as in chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, it is possible to see hair loss in radiation therapy. The most important difference between hair loss in radiotherapy and chemotherapy-induced hair loss is the regional application of radiation therapy. For this reason, 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 in Chemotherapy?
There is nothing that can be said with certainty in terms of hair loss in chemotherapy. It is not possible to guarantee that hair will not fall out during or after chemotherapy treatment. There is no sure 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 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. Scalp cooling system (scalp hypothermia) has been found to be successful in many experiments, but it cannot be said to provide a definitive solution. A side effect of the scalp cooling principle, which can be considered serious, is that it may increase the risk of recurrence or formation of cancer in 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 cannot be prevented and controlled in general, but process management is possible.
What are the Ways to Cope with Hair Loss in Chemotherapy?
Those who do not experience hair loss in chemotherapy face the problem of hair loss. relatively low compared to individuals. In the management of the hair loss process, there are certain steps that can be taken to cope with stress and to minimize anxiety and sadness.
- Taking care of hair before chemotherapy treatment is one of the recommended practices. Avoiding dyeing the hair and giving a permanent shape such as perm can prevent weakening and loss of hair. Avoiding hot applications, tools such as blow dryers and curling irons, and drying the hair in natural air are among the measures that can be taken. can. Cutting the hair before chemotherapy can both make the hair look thicker and reduce the rate of being noticed as the amount of shedding increases. However, getting used to the use of short hair makes it easier for the patient to switch to a new look when there is complete hair loss. There are also various methods such as scarves and wigs that are preferred to cover the head. Experimenting before chemotherapy may lead to an improvement in the patient's mood.
- Using a shampoo or soap with clean ingredients, combing the hair gently and with a soft-headed comb, and paying attention to hygiene rules are also among the recommendations of the experts during chemotherapy treatment.
- Protecting the scalp is just as important as protecting the hair. During chemotherapy treatment, the scalp can become sensitive and prone to infections. Avoiding extreme cold and direct exposure to sunlight prevents irritation on the scalp. Since hair loss can cause cold at first, a suitable hat or scarf can be chosen for the person. In some cases, shaving the hair completely makes the process easier. Itching and sensitivity on the scalp may be expected in some patients during the chemotherapy process.
When Does Hair Lose in Chemotherapy?
Hair loss due to chemotherapy is an expected situation for the majority of cancer patients. hair loss i is not expected in every patient at the same time and in severity. Do patients receiving chemotherapy often lose hair with 4 cycles of chemotherapy? Or when should hair loss be expected? They ask questions like The level of hair loss may vary according to the type of cancer, the type and dose of the drug, the genetic structure of the patient and his lifestyle. In the vast majority of patients, the first period of hair loss is expected within 2 to 4 weeks from the start of treatment. Hair can be lost in bulk or gradually. Since the top of the head and the top of the ears are the areas that come into contact with the surface the most during sleep, the first hair loss can be seen in these areas. Accumulation of hair on pillows, combs, bath and shower drains are usually the first indicators. Hair loss can be seen during the treatment process and for a few more weeks after the end of the treatment. Hair loss is not expected in the same way for everyone. Chemotherapy hair loss problem, which varies according to the person, usually ends within 3 months.
When does the hair grow after chemotherapy?
After chemotherapy treatment, hair regrowth is often slowed 1-3 months after the end of the treatment. it starts slow. In some of the patients, the newly grown 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 may regain their old appearance. Hair loss is the common point of many chemotherapy treatments and most of the patients receiving chemotherapy encounter this problem. Managing the process with the most appropriate method, cooperating with a specialist healthcare team, and being patient can accelerate both the treatment process and spiritual recovery.
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