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Chemotherapy Induced Hair Thinning or Loss
Chemotherapy Induced Hair Loss
One of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss (alopecia).
Hair loss can negatively impact individual perceptions of appearance, body image, sexuality, and self-esteem, as well as deprive patients of their privacy, because this treatment-related outcome is readily associated with having cancer.
Hair loss does not occur with all chemotherapy medications and people may have different responses, even with the same medications. You may experience complete hair loss, hair thinning, or may not notice any hair loss at all.
Hair Loss Treatments
Several techniques have been tried with varied success to limit hair loss during chemotherapy. "Scalp cooling" (hypothermia) is one of these methods, and involves applying cool compresses to the head while chemotherapy is being given.
An experimental pharmacologic approach is the application of a topical hair growth agent called minoxidil. This hair loss treatment has had mixed results again depending on the chemotherapy treatment.
If you have tried either of these hair loss treatments and received disappointing results, laser therapy might be the answer. Treating chemotherapy induced hair loss in the early stages with laser therapy can be very effective.