Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face the distressing side effects of hair loss. This can be one of the most frightening aspects of treatment, especially for women, as hair is closely tied to one's identity and self-esteem. However, there is a promising solution that can help mitigate this fear: scalp cooling.
Scalp cooling is type of therapy that may reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy treatment. The loss of hair due to chemotherapy has both physical and psychological impacts on cancer patients. By decreasing this risk of hair loss, patients are able to improve self-esteem, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve their attitude during this challenging cancer journey.
What is Scalp Cooling and how does it work?
According to the American Cancer Society, scalp cooling or scalp hypothermia, refers to lowering the temperature of the scalp with a scalp cooling device. The cold from the device helps restrict blood flow to the scalp. This reduces the amount of chemo that gets to the hair follicle cells. For some people, this helps protect hair follicle cells from being damaged and can prevent or reduce scalp hair loss.
What is a Scalp Cooling device?
There are two different types of scalp cooling devices. The first is an automated scalp cooling system that works by connecting a special cap to an automated device that circulates a liquid or gel cooled to a specific temperature.
The second type is manual scalp cooling, or frozen gel caps. This type uses frozen gel caps that are manually cooled in a freezer or with dry ice. These should be changed every 20 to 30 minutes to make sure the frozen gel cap is kept at the needed temperature.
Tips for using manual frozen gel caps
- Wet your hair to help the cold cap work better
- Put on the cold cap 30 minutes before you start your chemo infusion
- Keep the cold cap on your scalp for the entire infusion
- Wear the cold cap for 30 to 90 minutes after your infusion
Can anyone use scalp cooling?
Cold caps and scalp cooling are not recommended for everyone. There are several factors to consider, including the type of cancer you have and the treatment you are receiving. It is not recommended for those getting immunotherapy or targeted drug therapy. And it is not recommended for people who have a central nervous system cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. It is also not recommended for patients who are preparing for a stem cell transplant.
If you are considering scalp cooling, it’s important to speak with your care team and carefully weigh the potential benefits, discomforts and risks. At AdventHealth, our compassionate cancer care team is here to support you every step of the way through cancer. To learn more about cancer services at AdventHealth, please visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call
Call855-774-LIFE(5433).
Additional Resources:
Frozen cooling caps:
Financial resources available for scalp cooling:
