Leukemia, a cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, can lead to various symptoms and complications. One common concern for many individuals diagnosed with cancer is the potential for hair loss. This article clarifies the relationship between leukemia, its treatments, and hair loss.
Does Leukemia Directly Cause Hair Loss
Hair loss is not a direct symptom of leukemia itself. Leukemia primarily impacts blood cells and bone marrow, which are not directly involved in hair follicle function. If hair thinning occurs before treatment, it is usually linked to general illness, the stress of a cancer diagnosis, or nutritional deficiencies from the disease’s overall impact on the body.
Understanding Treatment-Related Hair Loss
Hair loss in individuals with leukemia is primarily a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, healthy cells that also divide quickly, such as those in hair follicles, can be inadvertently affected.
Chemotherapy drugs interfere with the growth and division of fast-growing cells, including hair follicle cells, which are among the most rapidly dividing in the body. This can lead to hair thinning or complete hair loss, affecting scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and body hair. The extent of hair loss depends on the specific drugs, dosage, and treatment duration. Not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss; some may only cause mild thinning. Hair loss usually begins within two to three weeks after starting treatment.
Radiation therapy causes hair loss only in the specific area being treated; for instance, head radiation causes hair loss in that region. Hair loss from radiation can sometimes be permanent, depending on dosage and number of treatments. Newer treatments, such as targeted therapies and some immunotherapies, may also cause hair thinning, though it is less severe or common than with traditional chemotherapy. These therapies can affect hair texture, density, color, and growth rate, with impact varying by the specific drug.
Coping With Hair Loss During Treatment
Experiencing hair loss can be emotionally challenging for individuals undergoing leukemia treatment. Preparing for hair loss can help manage the emotional impact. Some choose to cut their hair short before treatment, making the transition less dramatic. Others may shave their head completely to take control and avoid gradual shedding.
Practical strategies can help individuals cope. Using gentle hair products, such as mild shampoos, and avoiding harsh styling methods like heat tools, perms, or chemical dyes can protect the delicate hair and scalp. The scalp may become sensitive, itchy, or dry, so applying a gentle moisturizer and protecting it from sun and cold with hats, scarves, or turbans is beneficial. Wigs and hairpieces are available and can be chosen to match natural hair color and texture before hair loss. Seeking support from family, friends, support groups, or a therapist can also provide emotional comfort.
Hair Regrowth After Treatment
For most individuals, hair loss due to leukemia treatment is temporary, and hair regrowth begins after treatment concludes. Initial regrowth appears as fine, soft “peach fuzz” within a few weeks to months after the last treatment. Over the next three to six months, hair becomes thicker and more noticeable, with significant regrowth seen by six to twelve months.
The new hair might initially have a different texture, color, or thickness than before treatment; for example, straight hair might grow back curlier, a phenomenon called “chemo curls.” These changes are temporary, and the hair’s original characteristics return as follicles fully recover. While full regrowth is expected for most, permanent hair loss is rare but can occur with very high doses of certain treatments or specific types of radiation therapy. If significant regrowth has not occurred after six to twelve months, consulting a doctor is recommended.