Leukemia, a cancer impacting blood cells and bone marrow, often brings many questions about its effects on the body. Among these, hair loss is a common concern. While it might seem intuitive, the relationship between leukemia and hair loss is complex. Hair loss is typically not a symptom of the disease itself, but rather a side effect of the intensive treatments designed to combat it.
Leukemia’s Direct Impact on Hair
Leukemia primarily affects the production and function of blood cells within the bone marrow. The disease involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells, which interferes with the body’s ability to produce healthy blood components. Hair follicles, the structures responsible for hair growth, are generally not directly targeted or damaged by leukemic cells. Therefore, leukemia does not inherently cause hair to fall out.
In rare cases, severe leukemia might indirectly contribute to hair thinning due to generalized weakening or malnutrition. However, this is not a direct result of the cancer attacking hair follicles.
Hair Loss from Leukemia Treatments
The most common reason individuals with leukemia experience hair loss is due to the treatments necessary to fight the cancer. Chemotherapy agents target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, a characteristic shared by both cancer cells and healthy cells, including those in hair follicles. This widespread action leads to hair shedding, a condition known as anagen effluvium.
Hair loss from chemotherapy typically begins two to four weeks after treatment starts. It can range from thinning to complete baldness, affecting not just scalp hair but also eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. The extent and speed of hair loss depend on the specific chemotherapy drugs used, their dosage, and individual sensitivity. Some common chemotherapy drugs known to cause significant hair loss include cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin.
Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss, usually confined to the specific area being treated, such as the head or neck. Unlike chemotherapy, hair loss from high-dose localized radiation can sometimes be permanent. Newer treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapies generally carry a lower risk of hair loss, often causing only thinning rather than complete shedding.
Managing Hair Changes During Treatment
Experiencing hair loss during leukemia treatment can be emotionally challenging, but various strategies can help manage these changes. Preparing in advance, such as cutting hair short or shaving the head before significant shedding begins, can lessen the impact of seeing hair fall out in clumps and help individuals feel more in control.
Scalp care is important during and after hair loss. Use mild, fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners to soothe a sensitive scalp. Protect the scalp from sun exposure with hats, scarves, or sunscreen, and keep it warm in colder temperatures with soft coverings.
Many individuals choose to wear wigs, scarves, or hats for comfort and a sense of normalcy. For most, hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary, with regrowth typically beginning a few weeks to months after treatment concludes. New hair may initially have a different texture or color, sometimes called “chemo curls,” but often returns to its original state over time.