Cold caps, also known as scalp cooling caps, are used by some people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer to help limit hair loss. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:
- Effectiveness: The effectiveness of cold caps can vary widely, from 27% to 90%, with an overall effectiveness rate of 61%. The Show Full Answer
Cold caps, also known as scalp cooling caps, are used by some people undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer to help limit hair loss. Here are some key points from the knowledge base:
- Effectiveness: The effectiveness of cold caps can vary widely, from 27% to 90%, with an overall effectiveness rate of 61%. The effectiveness may depend on the specific chemotherapy regimen used.
- User Experiences: Many users report satisfaction with cold caps. Some experienced only thinning of hair, while others lost a significant amount but avoided bald clumps.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include headache, scalp and neck pain, dizziness, nausea, and chilliness. Some users find the initial cold painful, but it often becomes more tolerable once the scalp is numb.
- Usage: Cold caps can be rented or purchased, and some care centers offer them during chemotherapy sessions. They work by slowing down the activity in hair cells and narrowing blood vessels around hair follicles, reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair.
- Support: Organizations like The Rapunzel Project and HairToStay can help people access cold caps or other quality options.
Always consult with your oncologist or healthcare team before trying new therapies.
August 20, 2024