HOW WILL CANCER TREATMENT AFFECT MY HAIR?
I EMBRACE CHANGES TO MY HAIR
As your cancer treatment will kill cancerous cells, unfortunately it may also change the growth of your hair or cause it to fall out altogether. This could happen to the hair on your head, or other parts of your body including your eyebrows and eyelashes.
While it is essential to prepare yourself mentally for the changes that lie ahead, there are also practical things you can try to manage your hair loss. Even though not all cancer treatments cause hair loss, it could happen. If you decide you may like to try a wig, visit a specialist to get used to one before your hair falls out. You may feel colder, even at home, when you have less hair so invest in a new hat, bandana or scarf to bridge the gap between your hair loss and new growth.
Looking after your scalp will become more important, and La Roche Posay has options to soothe and protect. See below for some of the ways your hair may change, and how you can minimize these alterations for your comfort.
HAIR LOSS
Alopecia is caused by treatments which specifically target rapidly multiplying cells, as this is a feature not only of cancer cells but also of hair roots, resulting in a sudden or gradual loss of hair. Your hair should grow back after the treatment once the body has eliminated all traces of the drug.
Hair loss is different for everyone. Radiation therapy will only cause you to lose hair in the places where the treatment is targeted. How much hair you may lose will depend on the dose and method of radiation therapy you receive. Hair usually grows back within months, but it may be thinner or a different texture.
Unlike some commonly known chemotherapy treatments, most hormonal and targeted therapies do not cause total hair loss or mass hair thinning. However, mild hair thinning may occur. Depending on your hairstyle this may be hardly noticeable, a reduction of the total mass of hair or maybe an area that might be visibly thinner.
Wash your hair with a small amount of gentle shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid any aggressive actions such as blow-drying and bleaching and use a soft bristle brush.
If you are worried about the reaction of loved ones to your hair loss, talk to them about it first. Discussing this could help to prepare you, as well. Think about looking online for a hair loss support group or ask your health care practitioners for local group information.FOLLICULITIS
This is a common skin condition whereby hair follicles become inflamed. Initially it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles.
If you experience this, use gentle cleansing products that respect the skin’s natural pH balance, such as a syndet wash. Avoid shaving, and using products that contain alcohol fragrances such as deodorants or perfumes. Try to also limit wearing wearing tight clothing. Use light texture moisturizers, and remember to wear anti-UVA/anti-UVB photo-protection of at least SPF 50. /
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Since 1975 it has been La Roche-Posay’s mission to support those who suffer from sensitive or weakened skin to improve their daily comfort and quality of life.
