A 38-year-old member asked:
can you tell me which chemical in chemotherapy causes hair loss?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Myron Arlen answered
Surgical Oncology 64 years experience
The chemo: many of the chemotherapeutic agents function by destroying the DNA of the cancer cell. When given intravenously the chemo reaches the hair follicles and destroys them also causing hair loss.
4062 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 29-year-old member asked:
Does hair loss depend on the type of chemotherapy?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Liawaty Ho answered
Hematology and Oncology 23 years experience
Yes: Hair loss or alopecia is a common side effects from chemotherapy. Certain chemotherapies will cause total alopecia ( bald completely) -for instance- adriamycin/taxane- some other chemotherapies will cause some degree of hair loss /thinning of the hair but not completely bald.
Biological therapy such as rituximab, avastin, (bevacizumab) Herceptin do not cause alopecia.
5958 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Can there be a product that can stop hair loss from chemo?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bob Ourian answered
Dermatology 26 years experience
No: Sorry, but there are no drugs that can stop the hair loss from chemo. However, the good news is that your hair will grow back after you're done with chemo. When it starts growing back, you can use rogaine (minoxidil) if you like.
5128 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Am i correct that it is radiation and not chemo that causes the hair loss?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Raymond Schneider answered
Family Medicine 46 years experience
No: Either chemo or radiation can cause hair loss. They both kill cells both good and bad.
4718 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Can people lose their hair when they get chemo or is it radiation that causes the hair loss (or both)?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Myron Arlen answered
Surgical Oncology 64 years experience
Both: Chemotherapy can definitely cause hair loss since it destroys the hair follicles. One way of attempting to reduce the problem is a light tourniquet place across the forehead to reduce the blood flow to the hair region at the top of the head. Radiation if directed to the head and neck area can also cause hair loss for the same reason.
4171 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me how to help a friend deal with hair loss due to chemo?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Support groups: Hi. Your friend's oncologist can get him/her in touch with cancer support groups to deal with a wide range of issues. Some people use wigs, scarves, hats, etc. Healthy coping skills are very important going thru such a life-altering chain of events. Good luck to your friend; he/she is lucky to have friends like you!
3911 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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