Cancer and Healthy

Chemotherapy drugs are very powerful and attack all types of rapidly growing cells in human body. It is true that chemotherapy treatment is most effective but drugs used in this treatment attack other rapidly growing cells, which are normal and healthy cells in your body. It also affects hair cells that result in hair loss.

Hair loss occurs not only on your scalp but all over your body. Sometimes your eyebrows, eyelashes, armpit, pubic and other body hair also start falling. Mostly hair loss is temporary and hair grows back normally once you stop treatment.

There are some medicines that can stop hair fall and you may use it after consulting with your doctor. But there is no guarantee that your hair stops falling after or during chemotherapy. Therefore you have to make yourself comfortable with your appearance before, during, and after your cancer treatment.

Follow these steps to prevent or control hair loss:

• Be gentle to your hair: Hair treatments like bleaching, coloring and curling makes your hair weak and so avoid these hair treatments.
• Use of head covering: You have to prepare yourself for using wigs, scarves and other head coverings and be ready for it earlier than covering up your hair loss afterwards. Some hospitals and insurance companies provide head cover during chemotherapy treatment.
• Use to cut your hair: Short hair always seems full and also looks nice than long hairs. So it won't be noticeable if you have hair fall.
• Consider shaving your head: Some people feel sensitive, itchy and irritated during chemotherapy treatment. Shaving can help to reduce these problems.
• Baby treatment for remaining hair: You can take baby care of your hair to avoid hair loss throughout your treatment. Try to use satin pillowcase that can catch and protect delicate hairs. Use soft brush for washing your hair. Avoid shampoos, strong detergents and other chemicals that can dry your scalp.
• Protect your scalp: Your scalp can be very sensitive during your chemotherapy treatment and cold and sunshine can irritate it. You can protect your head by covering it with head cover and using sunscreen to avoid cold air and sun.
• Continue hair care: After treatment you may get new hair growth but those hairs are very delicate and susceptible to the damage. Avoid bleaching and coloring your new hair at least for six months after treatment. Damage of new hair could irritate your sensitive scalp.