Is it necessary to lose hair during chemotherapy – a comment from an oncologist .
Alopecia is one of the most traumatic experiences for people with cancer. Maxim Ermakov, clinical oncologist at the Israeli Oncology Hospital LISOD, whether the treatment of cancer is always associated with the hair loss that precedes it and whether hair can grow back.
Ukraine , Ukraingate , 22 , January , 2022 | Medicine
Why may hair loss begin during chemotherapy? Is it mandatory?
Alopecia associated with chemotherapy is a fairly common side effect of treatment, occurring in approximately 65% of cases. This side effect is associated with the mechanism of action of cytotoxic drugs that affect rapidly dividing cells – such as keratinocytes of hair follicles.
What does it depend on?
The probability of hair loss depends on the protocol of chemotherapy, the initial condition of the hair, hair care.
How to protect hair during chemotherapy?
You should start with the shortest possible short haircut. Also, you should replace the comb with the softest, care products to choose non-aggressive, for damaged hair. The use of scarves, bandanas or scarves will minimize trauma to the hair roots during daytime activities and sleep, thereby reducing their loss.
Among the aids to minimize hair loss is also effective use of a cold helmet – the purpose of which is to cool hair follicles and reduce the speed of their separation.
Does everyone lose their hair during chemotherapy?
As it was said, not everyone loses hair and not always. In some cases, hair loss does not occur at all, for example, with some protocols
Can hair grow back?
In the vast majority of cases, the hair is completely restored in 3-6 months after treatment.
On the topic
Doctors of the Israeli Oncology Hospital LISOD told what to look for when choosing a private clinic for cancer treatment.
According to them, if a patient suspects cancer, he should immediately consult a doctor – a clinical oncologist and do not diagnose yourself.
One of the main criteria for choosing a clinic is a team approach to diagnosis and treatment. Evidence of treatment is also an important factor.
Source: Ukrgate
