How To Face Hair Loss During Chemotherapy?

Being diagnosed for cancer is a traumatic experience in ones life. But the treatments for cancer are even more a harrowing than the disease itself. Chemotherapy is the popular treatments suggested for most cancer patients. But this comes with side effects such as severe nausea, anemia, and dreaded hair loss.

Above all other side effects, hair loss affects the patients very much. Along with the pain of the dreaded disease and its treatments, the patients would have face the trauma of change is appearance as well. Doctors say reassurance from family, friends and medical professional and local support group and other organizations is the only way out of it.

While some chemotherapy drugs don’t cause hair loss but most of them do. The degree of hair loss could vary with treatments. For some its thinning of hair while others complete hair loss from the scalp.

When hair is lost from the body, it doesn’t the patients affect as much as on the scalp. Generally, the hair regrows within 6 to 8 weeks of completion of chemotherapy. In the interim patients could opt for wig, scarves or cap etc to cover their head. Its better to keep the head covered especially in cooler weather in order to avoid loosing body heat.

Here a few ideas for covering the head during chemotherapy period. People could choose the option that would best fit their personality and budget. Its better to let know the medical insurer about the choice of head covering.

Wigs

Wigs also called “scalp prosthesis” or “cranial hair prosthesis” comes in various colors, textures , style and price range. The ones made of man made materials are cheaper than the ones that are made of real human hair. To benefit the most out of wigs, its better to buy one before starting chemotherapy. This way it would be possible to buy a wig that would be close match to natural hair. While buying a wig, its better to take a friend along to choose the best fitting one.

Scarves

Scarves are a very popular among chemotherapy patients, particularly women. Scarves can be relatively inexpensive, and so you might want to purchase several, to complement different outfits.

Choose large scarves that can be wrapped completely around the head. Head scarves should be made of cotton, linen, or a similarly textured fabric that will stay in place. Avoid slick fabrics, such as silk or polyester, which can slide off the head.

Hats and Turbans

Hats and turbans can be practical and stylish. Some chemotherapy patients are comfortable just wearing a simple baseball cap on casual occasions. A fancier hat or turban can complement your outfit and lend a touch of pizzazz. The possibilities are limited only by the selection at your hat shop.

Mix and Match

Many patients choose more than one head covering option and “mix and match” as the mood suits them. You might want to leave your head uncovered while at home, and then choose a head covering when going out that feels best for the occasion. For example, you might choose a simple cap for a walk around the neighborhood, a scarf for a trip to the supermarket, or a wig for a social event.

Cancer therapy is difficult. But, with a little planning, looking good during your therapy can be easy.