Managing the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
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Hair Loss in the Treatment Area
A common side effect of radiation therapy is hair loss. Unlike chemotherapy, you will lose hair only on the part of your body being treated. For example, you may lose some of the hair on your head when receiving radiation to the head and neck area, or you may lose some of your pubic hair when receiving radiation in your pelvic region. You may begin to lose your hair within a few weeks after starting radiation treatments, and it will usually grow back within three to six months after finishing treatment.
Here are some ways to manage hair loss during radiation therapy:
- Buy a wig before you lose your hair, so you can match it to the color and style of your own hair.
- Be gentle with your hair. Use a mild shampoo and brush your hair gently with a soft brush. Avoid chemicals, dyes, and bleach.
- Cut your hair short. This will make your hair look fuller and thicker, and make hair loss more easy to manage.
- Protect your head from the sun. Put on a hat and apply sunscreen before going outside.
- Avoid using curling irons, hair dryers, and hair spray.
- Stay warm once you lose your hair by wearing a hat or scarf.
