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Alopecia - chemotherapy induced
- Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment for cancer. It refers to the loss or thinning of hair on the scalp or other parts of the body due to the use of chemotherapy drugs.
- Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells in the body, which includes cancer cells but also healthy cells such as those that produce hair. As a result, hair follicles can become damaged, leading to hair loss.
- The severity and extent of hair loss may depend on the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs used, as well as the duration of treatment. Hair loss from chemotherapy may be permanent or temporary. It can occur gradually or rapidly, and may range from partial to complete hair loss.
- In chemotherapy-induced alopecia that is temporary, hair growth typically resumes a few weeks to several months after treatment ends. However, the regrown hair may look and feel different than it did before chemotherapy.
- To book a consultation with our expert dermatologist and trichologist, Dr Sharon Wong, please contact us here or book online here.
