Chemotherapy Hair Loss

Chemotherapy is the treatment given to cancer patients to cure them of the disease. There are a number of side effects due to chemotherapy treatment. The side effects are felt more in places of the human body where rapid cell activity takes place. A prominent side effect that is more visible than the rest of the side effects is the chemotherapy hair loss syndrome. What causes chemotherapy hair loss? Chemotherapy affects the good cells in our bodies along with the bad ones. The areas of hair, skin, mouth and stomach are sensitive and react faster to the effects of chemotherapy. This is why chemotherapy hair loss occurs.

What is the pattern of chemotherapy hair loss? Hair usually comes of in bunches and there is a rapid decrease in the numbers of hair follicles. The intensity of hair loss depends on the type of cancer and the chemotherapy drugs used. The first visible signs of chemotherapy hair loss could occur anywhere in the second week of treatment or during the second cycle of treatment. Is chemotherapy hair loss treatable or reversible? At the moment there are no medications available to treat chemotherapy hair loss but the process is naturally reversible, as good cells continue to grow once treatment is over.