Why Does Chemotherapy Cause You To Lose Your
Hair?
Hair loss is one of the most common side effects or unwanted changes in
your
body that can happen when you have chemotherapy to control your
prostate
cancer.
It can be very upsetting. The
important thing to remember is that your hair will grow back after your treatment ends.
Hair loss happens because the anticancer medicines you take can affect the healthy
cells in your body, including the cells that make your hair grow. The amount of hair loss you have will depend on:
• The kind of chemotherapy
medicine you are given
• How much chemotherapy medicine
you get
• How you take your chemotherapy
medicine
When Will I Start Losing My Hair?
Hair loss starts around two to three weeks after you start
chemotherapy treatment. Your
scalp may hurt at first. Then
you may lose your hair, either a little at a time or in
clumps. It takes about one week for all your hair to fall out.
you may lose your hair, either a little at a time or in
clumps. It takes about one week for all your hair to fall out.
How Much Hair Will I Lose?
There is no way to tell how much hair you will lose during your
chemotherapy treatment. The chemotherapy medicines affect each
person differently. Some people don’t
lose their hair. Other people find that
their hair gets thinner. And, other people lose all their hair. Losing the hair on your head is most common.
You may also lose hair on your face including your eyelashes and eyebrows, your
arms, legs, underarms, and pubic (groin) area
between your legs.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Keep From Losing
My Hair?
Right now, there is no medicine or treatment that will keep you from
losing your hair during your
chemotherapy treatment.
How Long Will It Take for My Hair To Grow Back?
The good news is that your hair will start growing back three to four
months after your last chemotherapy treatment.
Your hair may even grow while you are still taking your chemotherapy
medicine. Some people find that their
hair grows back differently. It may feel
different. Some people who had straight
hair before their chemotherapy treatment find that when their hair grows back
it is curly. Your hair may also grow back a different color.
What Can I Do To Manage My Hair Loss?
Just as every cancer patient’s treatment is different, the way each
person responds
to his treatment is also different. While one person may lose their hair, another
may not. However, there are things you can do to help deal with this treatment side effect.
to his treatment is also different. While one person may lose their hair, another
may not. However, there are things you can do to help deal with this treatment side effect.
•Use mild shampoos.
•Don’t wash your hair every day.
•Use soft hairbrushes.
•Use low heat if you blow-dry your hair.
• Do
not treat your hair with chemicals, such as colors or perms.
·
If you lose a lot of hair, be sure to use sunscreen and
wear a hat to protect your scalp from sunburn.
• If hair loss bothers you, try a wig,
hairpiece, scarf or hat. If you plan
to buy a wig or hairpiece, buy it while you still have hair. The best
time to choose your wig or hairpiece is before chemotherapy starts.
This way, you can match the wig or hairpiece to the color and style of
your hair. Make sure to choose a wig or hairpiece that feels
comfortable and does not hurt your scalp. If you need help finding a
place where you can get a wig or hairpiece, you can call the America
to buy a wig or hairpiece, buy it while you still have hair. The best
time to choose your wig or hairpiece is before chemotherapy starts.
This way, you can match the wig or hairpiece to the color and style of
your hair. Make sure to choose a wig or hairpiece that feels
comfortable and does not hurt your scalp. If you need help finding a
place where you can get a wig or hairpiece, you can call the America
Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or the
National Cancer Institute’s
Cancer Information Line at 1-800-422-6237 to find out about cancer
resources in your local community. If you would prefer to borrow
rather than buy a wig or hairpiece, call your local American Cancer
Society at 1-800-227-2345 or check with the social work department
at your hospital. If you need a hairpiece because of your cancer
Cancer Information Line at 1-800-422-6237 to find out about cancer
resources in your local community. If you would prefer to borrow
rather than buy a wig or hairpiece, call your local American Cancer
Society at 1-800-227-2345 or check with the social work department
at your hospital. If you need a hairpiece because of your cancer
treatment, it is a tax-deductible expense and may be covered by your
health insurance. Be sure to check with your health insurance
provider.
provider.
