I used to be recognized with breast cancer in 2015, proper across the similar time the primary FDA-approved cold cap got here out. I’d heard in regards to the potential hair-saving helmet on the information, and I crossed all my follicles that it may work for me as I ready to start out chemotherapy.
Sadly, I wasn’t a candidate for scalp cooling remedy. Again then, the cooling units had been solely accepted for early-stage breast most cancers and fewer potent varieties of chemo. I used to be stage 3 and taking doxorubicin, also referred to as the “crimson satan.” So, yeah, fairly potent stuff.
Though I used to be disenchanted that I couldn’t strive chilly capping to scale back hair loss throughout chemo, simply realizing it was on the market made me looking forward to developments in most cancers remedies. Hair loss might seem to be a small factor when speaking about illness, however it may be actually devastating. One current report cited as much as 14% of women received’t contemplate chemotherapy due to hair loss.
Chilly caps don’t work for everybody, and outcomes differ from individual to individual relying on a variety of various factors. However new analysis reveals utilizing chilly caps may also help some individuals preserve an excellent quantity of hair throughout chemo — even individuals getting the crimson satan: In a single study, 71.4% of individuals on doxorubicin noticed profitable hair retention. That’s a hair flip in the appropriate course.
In the event you or somebody you realize is desirous about chilly caps for chemo-induced hair loss, right here’s what it is advisable know.
What’s chilly capping?
Chilly capping entails carrying a helmet-like machine to decrease the temperature of the scalp throughout chemotherapy. The chilly temperature decreases blood movement, which may cut back the quantity of chemo that reaches the hair follicles and should cut back hair loss for some individuals.
What are the varieties of chilly caps?
Scalp cooling remedy contains two varieties of units:
- Automated: The insulated chilly cap is connected to a machine that circulates cooling liquid or gel contained in the cap. As soon as the machine is connected, the cooling system will preserve the temperature the place it must be. Automated chilly caps are regulated by the FDA.
- Guide: The frozen gel caps are saved in a freezer or with dry ice. As a result of the gel will begin to heat as soon as it’s on the scalp, a brand new frozen cap should get replaced about each half-hour. Guide chilly caps will not be regulated by the FDA.
How do chilly caps work?
Each varieties of chilly caps work by decreasing the temperature of the scalp earlier than, throughout and after chemo.
Usually, the individual administering the chemo will assist arrange the automated chilly cap machine and ensure the temperature is right and that the cap is secured tightly round your head.
Folks utilizing handbook caps additionally want an outdoor pair of arms to assist with the caps, though it doesn’t must be a nurse — household or mates may also help throughout therapy.
Who can use chilly caps?
Folks with stable tumors (breast, colon, lung, gynecological) can use chilly caps to assist cut back hair loss throughout chemo.
Who shouldn’t use chilly caps?
Cooling caps are comparatively secure total, however some individuals with sure well being situations shouldn’t use chilly caps.
For instance, individuals with blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma shouldn’t use chilly caps as a result of the restricted blood movement might cease the chemo from attending to the place it must go.
You additionally shouldn’t use chilly caps when you:
- Have central nervous system most cancers
- Are getting chemo for a bone marrow transplant
- Had radiation to the top or could have radiation to the scalp
Chilly capping will not be beneficial for individuals who have cold-agglutinin disease, cryoglobulinemia and post-traumatic cold dystrophy.
What are the unwanted side effects of chilly caps?
Chilly caps dwell as much as the title, so when you’re delicate to chilly temperatures, chances are you’ll really feel uncomfortable throughout the classes. Different unwanted side effects of chilly capping can embody:
- Dry pores and skin
- Emotions of claustrophobia when carrying the cap
- Headache assaults
- Nausea
- Chilly thermal harm (burn) from handbook caps
Is chilly capping lined by insurance coverage?
Automated chilly caps are lined by Medicare and could also be lined by different insurance policy.
Guide frozen caps will not be lined by insurance coverage.
In the event you need assistance paying for the cooling remedy, nonprofit organizations similar to HairToStay and The Rapunzel Undertaking could possibly assist cowl the price of chilly capping.
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