HAIR LOSS FOR CANCER PATIENTS

• Thursday January 12, 2006 in: Hair Loss Tag(s):
  Some if not most cancer victims already suffering the side effects of the chemotherapy treatment they received may find dealing with their hair loss difficult.

  Aside from being one of the visible signs of the after-effects of the treatment, hair loss among cancer patients may provoke feelings of helplessness and depression that may be inadvertently reinforced by strangers or even loved ones.

  Hair loss can especially be hard on teenage cancer patients and more so on child patients who may be perceived by peers wrongly as being weird and thus fit to be avoided.

  Feelings of rejection may eventually be turned to guilt and unless counseling is given, would turn to anger and frustration.

  These same patients may also come to resent what they consider as "unwanted pity" from loved ones and friends and thus turn introverted.

  Whatever the response it is important for the families and friends of cancer patients to allow them space and time in order to ventilate their sentiments on their struggles to recover from the disease.

  If possible it is also important for these patients to interact with people who also recovered or are recovering from the disease.

  That way there is a certain comfort and optimism nurtured to these patients that can help them expedite the healing process.

  Meanwhile some of the more practical hair care tips for cancer patients include brushing with a softer comb, using a mild shampoo and a low heat dryer.

  Avoid dyeing one's hair and if possible get a haircut that would make the head fuller and thus help camouflage whatever hair loss one might have.

  If one so decides, a hairpiece may cover whatever balding spot in the head. A choice of headgear is also desirable.

  At least cancer patients usually have the assurance that more often than not, their hair will be restored to its former glory. Or if all else fails there's always hair surgery to fall back on.

  That's it for now.