Posted on February 25, 2010.
After chemotherapy hair regrowth: What can I do to regrow hair? Hair is one of the first parts of your body that would be seriously affected by chemotherapy. But this should not be a source of despair because once chemotherapy has successfully eliminated cancer agents in your body or your treatment is nearing its end, hair regrowth may occur after a period of time.
Chemotherapy and hair loss
Chemotherapy uses powerful agents to kill cancer cells growing in your body. Unfortunately for cancer patients, chemotherapy can not distinguish between cancer cells and other cells in growth such as those responsible for keeping your hair healthy and to grow. As such, chemotherapy agents also work to kill the hair cells and this result in hair loss.
The type of chemotherapy, you are subject as well as the dosage and frequency of treatment can affect the nature and severity of hair loss. You can know exactly what to expect from your chemotherapy treatment by your doctor.
By reducing the need for regrowth of hair after chemotherapy
While hair growth is very possible that once your chemotherapy ends, there are things you can already do before or during your treatment to reduce the need to regrow hair later. Prevention is, after all, the best remedy.
Scalp hypothermia
This is also known as cryotherapy. This method uses ice packs and other similar objects and devices and placing them on areas of the scalp. These instruments reduce the effects of chemotherapy and therefore the possibility of hair loss as well. Unfortunately, the scalp hypothermia is not without flaws. The process itself is uncomfortable. Second, reducing the effects of chemotherapy has a low risk of cancer recurrence in the cells of the scalp.
Minoxidil: hair regrowth after chemotherapy
This is one of two treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for hair loss. This is a topical solution that you apply directly to affected areas of your scalp. It can be used for both men and women even if they are encouraged to use the formula of 2% rather than the 5% solution. Minoxidil is nevertheless said to be more effective for women than men. After a specified period of time, users can experience hair growth in general in the upper part of the scalp.
Coping with hair loss and chemotherapy
Of course, whatever method you have taken to ensure the regrowth of hair that will produce visible results after several months. Meanwhile, you'll always have to adapt to having little or no hair. This is a very painful time, and here are some things you can do to alleviate the discomfort caused by the temporary loss.
Take care of your choice of hair products.
You can not afford to use any type of hair product yet. Look for hair products with formulas that have proven to be mild and sweet. harsher ingredients may aggravate your problem juices.
The practice of hair care appropriate.
Comb or brush your hair gently. Remember to hold your hair when you use a comb or brush to untangle knots. If you do not, you could end up drawing and break your hair off. Avoid subjecting your hair to excessive and frequent blow drying and cosmetic treatments for hair. Avoid nylon pillows for help because they can irritate the scalp.
Wear a wig.
A wig is not as rare today as you think. Wigs can look quite natural on you as long as you have chosen the right size and shape.