Hair Decline During Chemotherapy

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Hair Decline During Chemotherapy
Hair Decline During Chemotherapy It is not bad enough that we have to undergo sometimes very disagreeable chemotherapy treatments for cancer, but it simply is not fair that we also have to undergo the indignity of losing all of our hair as well. Many people fear this common facet effect of chemotherapy treatment more then they fear the treatment alone. The good news is that the hair decline is not permanent Medications are known to cause two types of hair decline, telegen effluvium and anagen effluvium. Both of these types of hair decline are caused by interfering with the Г¬lifeГ® cycle of hair. Hair basically has a few phases during its normal life cycle. The first is the growing phase and it tends to last about 3-4 years. It is called the anagen phase. The next phase is the catagen phase. This part of the life cycle exists as a transitional phase to get ready the hair for the final stage, the telegen phase. During this third and last phase, the hair rests for about a few months and then it falls out. Idea: To prevent hair decline, you should include a lot of protein into your diet. Hair is actually made from protein. As you may have already guessed, both telegen effluvium and anagen effluvium are named after the part of the life cycle of the hair that they affect. In both cases they interfere with the respective phases of the life cycle, resulting in the decline of hair. Anagen effluvium causes the worst hair decline of the two. People frequently lose all their hair on their head and much of it across their bodies. Unfortunately this is the type of hair decline that chemotherapy medications cause. Some of the newer chemotherapy medications do not cause any hair decline, but the drugs used most often do. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to avoid the hair decline that these medications cause. Many patients will cut or shave their hair well in advance of their treatment in order to better get ready themselves mentally. Usually within about two to a few weeks after the conclusion of the treatment the hair will grow again. Idea: If you eat white sesame seeds, you will not lose your hair as quickly. In the morning, eat a quarter cup of sesame seeds with your breakfast. When your hair grows again, frequently it will feel different and possibly be curlier than you are used to. This is a temporary situation, normally lasting not longer than six months to a year. Your hair will return to its normal texture. During this time the scalp will tend to feel dry and itchy. Many people will use a moisturizer to help make it feel better. Most insurance will cover the cost of a wig or hair piece if you would prefer to wear one while your hair grows again. Many people simply chose to wear a hat or scarf, or just go au naturel as a badge of honor for their struggle with cancer. Just try not to be too bothered by your hair decline. Everyone that goes through chemotherapy ultimately goes through this same regrettable facet effect. Fortunately the facet effect is temporary, and the chemotherapy is helping you to combat the disease so that you can live a long, prosperous life.