Managing alopecia
Alopecia, or hair loss, is a very common side effect of most forms of
chemotherapy. Hair loss occurs as a result of the chemotherapy agents
penetrating the hair follicle, causing the hair shaft to break at the root. Hair
is lost not only from the head, but eyebrows, eyelashes, facial, and pubic hair
is also lost. Depending on the age and sex of the child, this can be a very
distressing side effect of chemotherapy. Younger children may not be bothered by
hair loss, but the school-age child and teenager may be devastated.
When does alopecia occur?
Hair loss usually occurs one to three
weeks into treatment, depending on the specific agents being given. Once the
hair begins to fall out, it will continue to be lost in large clumps. The child
may be bald within a few days.
Will my child's hair return?
Hair usually begins to grow about six
weeks after completion of treatment. The hair may look different when it
returns. The color or texture may be different than before treatment began.
Managing hair loss
There are several things you can do for your
child when he/she is losing his/her hair. Younger children may not want to fuss
with a wig or hats, while the more appearance-conscious child may want to
consider these alternatives:
- Minimize hair washing to every other day instead of every day.
- Wash hair with a gentle moisturizing shampoo.
- Avoid harsh chemicals in the hair such as coloring products.
- Avoid using curling irons, blow dryers, or curlers.
- You may want to consider a short hair cut before chemotherapy begins, to
minimize the shock of hair loss.
- Have your child pick out several hats or scarves before hair loss begins.
He/she may even want to start wearing these items before hair is lost so that
he/she is comfortable with them.
- If your child wants to wear a wig, have him/her pick one out before
treatment begins.
- Reassure your child that his/her hair will return.