How To Prevent Hair Loss From Chemo

Many newly diagnosed cancer patients have asked the question “How do you prevent hair loss from chemo?”. Hair loss is one of the first visible sign of patients who have to take chemo treatments. This is very unfortunate. However, there have been discussions about methods that can be used to prevent hair loss during this time. It is obvious that not all methods work for every individual. However, the possibility that any one method is worth a try.

1. Know the Basics Before trying to prevent hair loss during chemo, it is important to be informed on the causes. Hair loss during chemo treatments is caused by the treatment drug getting to the scalp. When the scalp is exposed to the drug, it damages the cells in the follicles of the hair. When the follicles are damaged, it causes the hair to stop growing and the hair that already exists becomes unhealthy and dies.
2. Possible Remedy Studies have shown that the use of a cold cap prevents hair loss. A cold cap is a very cold cap that is worn to keep the scalp cool. By keep the scalp cool, the blood circulation is restricted which prevents the medication from penetrating to the hair follicles. This technique has been used in some cases to prevent hair loss during chemo.
3. No Guarantee Although studies have shown that it is possible to stop hair loss during chemo, it is important to keep in mind that there is no guarantee that any method will work. It may help to keep in mind that the hair loss in only temporary. During the process, there is always the option of wearing a wig or cute, stylish hats. Since there is no guarantee that hair loss can be prevented in every chemo patient, it’s important to be well informed of ways to cope with the possibility of hair loss.

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Scalp Cooling