Hair Loss

[thepheebster]

Why do some people who have to have chaemotherapy for their illness lose their hair? Does it do something to the hair follicles or something?

[Robinia]

Chemo affects fast growing cells which not only means cancerous cells but unfortunately includes things like your hair.  There is a process called scalp cooling where the scalp is covered & cooled during the drug administration which is supposed to reduce hair loss.  However, people that I have met who tried it said that it either didn't work for them or that it was too cold to bear & gave them headaches. On the plus side everyone, myself included, who lost their hair through chemo had it all grow back again.

This is an excellent site for all cancer & treatment information....

www.cancerbacup.org.uk

[thepheebster]

Thanks Noddy, I just always wondered. And I'm sorry to hear you were ill, hope you're better now :-)

[Robinia]

Yes thanks, it was a long time ago.  Had plenty of bad-hair days since it grew back! :-)