Minmizing Hair Loss In Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy Hair Loss Information

Hair loss would seem like a small issue and an even smaller price to pay in the grand scheme of cancer and the ultimate loss of life that cancer statistics remind us of. But humans dont always think rationally and the devastation felt by a person who looses their hair due to chemotherapy can cause a depletion of selfesteem and complete lack of motivation. No small issue to the victim of cancer as the physical loss of hair is a constant visual reminder of the physical illness that dwells within.

One of the worst and frequently reported side effects of chemotherapy is that it induces loss of hair which is emotionally very upsetting both for men and women. However in such cases the loss of hair and the degree of hair loss largely depends on type of medicines quantity of dosages taken per day and period of medical treatment

Hair loss is one of the side effects of cancer treatment most commonly linked to chemotherapy. The reason chemotherapy causes hair loss is the way that chemotherapy targets cancer cells. Cancer cells are some of the fastest growing and multiplying cells so chemotherapy works by attacking fast growing cells. Unfortunately hair cells are also fast growing so chemotherapy kills off the living cells of the hair follicles causing it to fall out. Luckily though this hair loss is usually temporary (though it might grow back with different texture and color).

Chemotherapy results in hair loss and a number of methods have shown promise in minimizing this problem. Minoxidil (Rogaine being the best known brand) does not stop hair loss but it does help in slowing down the loss to some extent and also enabling faster regrowth of hair. Another fundamental method that exists is to apply ice packs to the scalp. This helps in slowing down the blood flow in that area thus reducing hair loss in that area. However the negative side is the increased risk of cancer in the area where ice pack is applied because of the slowing down of blood flow. Also this technique may be uncomfortable for some people.

You can minimize to some extent the impact of the hair loss on your life if you plan ahead. You should not engage in any activities which stress your hair prior to treatment such as bleaching coloring or dying your hair. You can consider whether you are going to use a wig or perhaps cut your hair short or even shave you head prior to treatment to minimize the visual impact of the hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.

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Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. There are some things you can do to help with this issue.

You can learn more about hair loss here: Hair Loss News. Check out our other hair loss articles including chemotherapy hair loss at http://HairLoss.Teach2.Us