Chemotherapy hair loss is one of the forms of anagen effluvium and happens because the chemotherapy medication travels through the bloodstream. The blood feeds the hair follicle and disrupts the growth by stopping the reproduction of matrix cells during the anagen cycle, leaving the follicle empty of hair. Only certain chemotherapy medications can make you loose your hair.
After one to two weeks of taking the medication the hair will become loose, easily be able to be plucked out of the follicle and start to fall diffusely followed by spontaneous further hair loss.
There is much evidence showing that by restricting the blood flow to having the follicle it stops the contamination of the matrix cells. The use of ice caps during the administering of the drug will help restrict blood flow. This method, if used correctly can dramatically reduce the amount of hair loss. Important considerations during this method are factors such as the consistency of the cooling temperature, duration of use and the fit of the cap. An electronic cap is far superior to use than some of the models using ice. The replacement of the ice during the treatment will disrupt the consistency and effect the fit of the cap.
In certain cases where 2 different medications are required for your treatment. Discuss with your doctor the order of the medications and if possible take the hair loss causing drug first. You will then have hair growth at the end of your second treatment leading to you feeling normal sooner.
There are many instances where patients wearing ice caps complain of dry matting hair. Hair on the outside of your scalp is not directly affected by what happens at the root. Dehydration is an effect of an insult to the hair shaft outside the follicle. I believe that this matting is caused by the patient being too careful whilst brushing the hair hoping that the hair will not fall whilst undergoing the chemotherapy. By not washing, conditioning and combing the hair regularly may cause matting. Definitely be careful not to pull the hair too much during treatment, but still care for your locks.
Another important note to think about with the fit of your ice cap is to think about the hairstyle you wear under the cap. You must get the most direct contact with the cool temperature and the hair follicle for best results in restricting the blood flow.
If you can stand the feeling of cold during your treatment a well fitted ice cap will help to preserve your hair. Medication to help with headaches from the cold will help during the treatment.
Once your treatment is over there are plenty of ways to increase rapid hair growth. To discuss your hair regrowth and further knowledge about your chemotherapy hair loss journey book a trichology appointment now.