| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY Hair Loss |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
This depends on the drug or combination of drugs being given. It is not a side effect of every chemotherapy regime - some cytotoxic drugs always cause hair loss and some never do. Often the hair will become thinner or lose its body. No-one but you may notice this. Hair loss is almost always temporary and the hair grows back in the months after treatment, usually beginning one to three months after treatment is complete. Occasionally hair starts to regrow before the end of a course of chemotherapy. First of all, if it is predicted your child will lose her hair, arrangements can be made for you to obtain a wig before treatment starts. The time before the hair begins to fall out varies from a few days to a few weeks. You will probably notice more hair in your child's brush or comb and, most upsetting of all, hair on her pillow in the mornings. Wearing a hairnet or turban overnight, or placing a flannel towel over the pillow, is a good way of col-lecting hair that is falling out. Some parents prefer to cut their child's hair short before, or as soon as, the hair starts coming out, to minimise the trauma. In order to keep your child's hair in good condition, treat it gently. Anything which can damage hair (such as brushing it too hard or plaiting it) should be avoided. When hair is thin, brittle or breaking, use a mild shampoo specifically designed for over-treated or damaged hair, and a brush with very soft bristles. Avoid bleaches and permanent dyes, curlers, blow dryers, and hair spray, as these may cause additional damage and scalp irritation. Protect your child's scalp from the cold and the sun by using some form of covering or a sun-block cream. If the scalp becomes dry, use a gentle moisturiser. Always ask for advice if you are in any doubt about what you should or should not do. Acknowledge that hair loss is traumatic for all but the youngest children, and especially so for teenagers. Separate your feelings about baldness from your child's feelings. Many parents rush out to buy wigs and hats without discussing with their child how she wants to deal with his baldness. Emphasise to your child that the hair loss is temporary and that it will grow back. Try to have your child meet children who have completed therapy so that she can see for herself that hair will regrow soon. Allow your child to choose whether to wear head coverings or not. Let her know that it's okay to be bald. Allow your child or teen to take control of the situation by choosing a wig, collection of hats, scarves, or cotton turbans to wear. In some countries, these items are classified as tax-deductible medical expenses, and may be covered by insurance. Advocate that school-age children be permitted to wear hats or other head coverings to school. If your child expresses an interest in wearing a wig, ask how she would like the style (e.g. similar to her own hair, or radically different). Take pictures of her hairstyle before hair loss, and keep a sample of hair to take in to allow a good match of original colour and texture. Take photographs of your child trying out several wigs. You can then look at the pictures together, or with family and friends, to help decide which style to go for. You may like to arrange for a fitting before your child has lost hair, so that you have information readily available should the need arise. In the United Kingdom, cancer patients are entitled to a wig courtesy of the National Health Service. However, many people decide to buy from a private retailer for better quality and wider choice of styles. Vouchers are available towards such purchases. In North America, the cost of the wig may be covered by insurance if the doctor writes a prescription for a "wig prosthesis." This should include the medical reason for the wig such as "Alopecia due to cancer chemotherapy." To find a wig retailer, look in the yellow pages. National cancer societies and some local cancer service organisations keep up-to-date information about suppliers, and may offer free wigs in some areas. Another source for a free wig is Hair Club for Kids, sponsored by Hair Club for Men in New York, (212) 462-1400 ext. 3085. Locks of Love also makes wigs from natural hair donations, for children suffering alopecia due to cancer. Not always. Sometimes the hair grows back thicker and/or a different colour. It may be curly instead of straight or vice versa. It is not possible to predict in advance whether this will happen. Go back to CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS page. Go back to GENERAL TREATMENT index. Go back to ORbIT TREATMENT index. Go back to SONGS TREATMENT index. |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. However its contents have been reviewed by appropriately qualified medical professionals for accuracy and quality. This page is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |
| Chemotherapy drugs destroy not only cancer cells, but also normal cells that are produced at a rapid rate. Because hair follicle cells reproduce quickly, chemotherapy causes some or all body hair to fall out. The hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, underarms, and pubic area may slowly thin out or may fall out in big clumps. |