CHEMOTHERAPY AND SKIN

Oncology treatments with chemotherapy can affect the skin and physical appearance in general, altering people’s quality of life, as well as their confidence and individual safety.

The main effects of chemotherapy treatment on the skin of the entire body, and therefore also on the scalp are:

OIL GLAND
The skin becomes dry
DERMAL IMMUNITY
skin more sensitive to external and internal factors
DERMAL IMMUNITY
SENSITIVITY
irritations, peeling, itching, discomfort, tightness, hypersensitivity

But maybe the most visible consequences are produced on the hair:

Alopecia

Cellular reproduction is avoided and the follicle is destroyed, stopping the hair life cycle and its reproduction. The hair comes off loaded with toxicity.

Hair loss is a frequent, but not serious, adverse reaction. However, for many people it represents a very important emotional problem.

The intensity of alopecia depends on the dose of the medicine and the duration of the treatment. It can affect all types of hair structures: eyebrows, eyelashes, genital hair, body and axillary hair.

In general, hair loss usually occurs 7-14 days after the first administration of the drug and becomes evident after 1-2 months. It usually affects women more than men.

Regrowth of the hair

When the hair grows back in, it may not have the same look and texture. It may be thinner, or curly instead of straight, and it may also be either darker or lighter than before.

These changes may last for years. Patience is required for hair structures to evolve and recover properly.

Just like with other side effects of oncology treatments, prevention and early treatment are crucial. Proper cosmetic care, during and after treatment, improves the quality of re-growing hair and accelerates its recovery.

Our desire is that the people affected look good and feel better. Being comfortable with our appearance makes us feel stronger and this feeling does not have to change during the illness.