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Hair loss is a common side effect with many, but not all, chemotherapy treatments. Medical staff will discuss the possibilities with you prior to treatment, but nothing will fully prepare you, and each individual's reaction is unique. The main thought will be for survival but the effects of hair loss can be emotionally devastating for some and it is important to both recognise and acknowledge this. . It is important to remember that this kind of hair loss is temporary and once treatment is completed the hair will start to grow again within a few weeks.

Chemotherapy works by attacking certain cells in the body and hair follicles suffer as a result of this action. What many people do not realise, and many patients are shocked to discover, the hair loss is not confined to the head hair. Hair loss can affect all body hair including pubic hair, eye brows, eyelashes and nasal hair.

The effects of hair loss are not purely cosmetic. Body hair is a form of defence; nasal hairs limit harmful bacteria form entering the respiratory system and eyelashes prevent harmful particles from entering the delicate eye membranes. Chemotherapy affects the body's ability to fight infection and the loss of these hairs leaves an already vulnerable system open to further attack. Body hair also helps regulate temperature which is one of the reasons body hairs stand on end when we are cold.

Hair loss is not usually immediate but usually kicks in after a couple of cycles and can be dramatic and upsetting. It is at this point that many patients choose to shave their head hair to get it over with', rather than to delay the inevitable.'

Treatment centres usually have staff on hand to offer advice and counselling on dealing with hair loss issues. Wigs, hairpieces, scarves and turbans are widely available for all those who prefer not to bare all' and clinic staff are on hand to help with these.

Eye liner pencils can be helpful, for both men and women to replace missing eyebrows. Sunglasses or plain glasses (as appropriate for the weather conditions) can help protect the eyes against city grit and dust when outside and artificial tears and eye baths are helpful to have to hand.

For women lipstick and earrings are recommended for distracting the eye and for brightening the look. It may sound trivial but it works.

All of these things combine to help you through this difficult time, but the one thing that will serve you best in your battle is Attitudewith a capital A.

Learn more about this author, Christa Joyce.
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