Cancer is devastating for many reasons, but with a supportive circle, medical attention, and the spirit of fighting back, it ignites a spark of hope that makes one’s life easier.
One of these devastating reasons is hair loss, which many people expect and experience, and in order to deal with it and beat it, we need to have the knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms, and management techniques.
And today in our serious Wig Medical Explains, India Mason will guide you through the new road and give you a flashlight so you don’t stumble. And valuable tips for Cranial Prosthesis Specialists to excel in their craft.
What Causes Anagen Effluvium
The hair loss you experience during your cancer treatment is called Anagen Effluvium, which is temporary throughout the course of your treatment.
Antigen eluvium occurs when hair loss follicles are disrupted during their active growth phase, leading to premature cessation of hair growth.
Other types of hair loss occur throughout the different phases of hair growth, but Anagen Effluvium affects the hair in the Anagen phase, resulting in rapid, diffuse shedding.
This is not exclusive to chemotherapy but also can happen when someone is exposed to toxins, radiation therapy, and systemic medications.
The primary cause of Anagen Effluvium is the toxic effect of certain treatments on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the hair follicles.
Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells but can also affect other rapidly dividing cells in the body, including those responsible for hair growth.
While radiation therapy is directed at the scalp, it can damage hair follicles, leading eventually to hair loss.
Additionally, certain medications such as immunosuppressants or anticoagulants may cause Anagen Effluvium as a side effect of the treatment. And they’re also temporary and treated the same, accompanied by the needed patience.
What Are the Symptoms of Anagen Effluvium
Unlike other hair loss types, Anagen Effluvium manifests itself through diffused shedding uniformly across the whole scalp.
On the contrary, hair loss usually occurs with bald patches appearing on the scalp or as hair thinning.
There are ways to tame the symptoms from the start, with things like Scalp cooling devices used during chemotherapy, which can reduce the risk of hair loss by constricting blood vessels in the scalp, limiting the absorption of chemotherapy drugs by the hair follicles.
And it’s always better to consult your medical provider before starting the treatment to brace yourself and know what to expect along the tunnel to your freedom.
How to Manage Anagen Effluvium
For those experiencing significant hair loss, options like scalp prostheses, wigs, hair pieces, scarves, or hats may help conceal hair loss and boost confidence during treatment.
You should consult a trusted cranial prosthesis specialist so you can get a medical wig with a cap that is suitable for your condition and goes well with your scalp sensitivity.
The specialist will work with a dermatologist to ensure your needs are met and get your medical wig written off with your medical insurance.
And lastly, don’t forget to reach out to people when you’re feeling down, because everyone is allowed to do so.