Causes of gray hair after chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a method of using drugs to kill cancer cells, which can affect healthy cells such as hair follicles to help hair and hair grow. Hair loss after chemotherapy is about 1-2 weeks, which may gradually fall out or in patches, especially after 6 weeks. After the chemotherapy is about 1-3 months, hair regrows. Time may vary in each person.

Dr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, Oncology unit, Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, said that when hair regrows, the same growth rate before chemotherapy, hair may be different from the original shape like curly, Silver, ripple, thin. Here are some causes of gray hair after chemotherapy.

Impact on pigment cells: The mechanism of chemotherapy aimed at rapid cells such as cancer cells but also affects other healthy cells in the body, including melanocytes in hair follicles. When these pigment cells are damaged or reduce melanin production, hair can be gray.

Stress and hormone change: The treatment of cancer often stress the patient, thereby affecting hormonal balance and affecting the color of the hair. Prolonged stress can also promote gray hair.

Chemicals in the drug: Side effects of some chemotherapy drugs affect the hair color of the patient. These drugs may change the structure or function of hair follicles, causing gray hair.

Nutrition deficiency: Nutrition problems during treatment are quite common. Small changes in the diet, lack of substance due to anorexia, bad appetite can affect the health of hair and color.

According to Dr. Thanh, not all patients after chemotherapy have gray hair. The level of effects due to chemotherapy may vary depending on the condition of the patient and the chemotherapy. Chemical changes after chemotherapy can affect the confidence and quality of life of the patient, but this is only a temporary side effect.

Currently, there is no way to completely prevent this situation. Cancer people can control and improve by using mild shampoos and conditioner, protecting the hair from the sun, limiting the hairstyle with heat, avoiding wet hair. Eat enough nutrients, supplement nutrients, drink plenty of water. Practicing yoga, meditation or relaxing activities to reduce stress, contributing to reducing gray hair after chemotherapy. If you have hair abnormalities during chemotherapy, patients should consult a doctor for appropriate advice.