It is difficult to give you a exact percentage of patients who experience this problem but it is one of the side effects that patients are warned about. You also have to appreciate that the severity of this side effect varies enormously form patient to patient.
Experience with hair loss (alopecia) associated with interferon or combination therapy, a couple of points stand out. One is that patients tend to feel their hair loss is more noticeable than individuals around them. In addition, the hair typically grows back. Patients on interferon may also be evaluated who have hair loss for thyroid dysfunction because thyroid problems are seen with interferon and they can cause hair loss. Finally, if patients are very bothered by the hair loss, occasionally it is suggested they consider ‘Rogaine’ (topical minoxidil) though the effectiveness of this varies considerably from one person to the next.
Thinning
Thinning hair or change in hair texture sometimes occurs. This may begin after the first few months of interferon therapy. It does not generally represent complete loss of hair, rather some people notice an increased amount of hair in the shower drain or loss while combing or brushing. Hair returns to normal after the course of interferon is discontinued. However, whatever part of hair loss in men is attributable to male pattern baldness is gone for good.
Some people experience hair loss as a side effect of interferon, but it doesn’t always happen. It may range from a slight to moderate amount of hair loss, but it would be extremely rare for someone to become completely bald from the doseage given for hepatitis.
The hair grows back after the treatments are over. When your hair does begin to grow back in, it may come in thicker, curlier, or straighter than it did before your interferon therapy.
Hair loss can occur on all parts of the body, not just the head.
Facial hair, arm and leg hair, underarm hair, and pubic hair may all beaffected. Hair loss usually doesn’t happen right away; more often, it begins after a few weeks. At that point, hair may fall out gradually or breaks at or near the skin, and the scalp may become tender. Any hair that is still growing may become dull and dry.
To care for your scalp and hair:
Use mild shampoos.
Use soft hair brushes.
Use low heat when drying your hair.
Don’t use brush rollers to set your hair.
Don’t dye your hair or get a permanent.
Have your hair cut short. A shorter style will make your hair look thicker and fuller. It will also make hair loss easier to manage if it occurs.
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There is a special type of shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for people undergoing chemotherapy. Many people have reported good results using it while taking interferon. The brand name is “Nioxin“.
Nioxin Scalp and Hair Products At Beauty Expert – Official Stockist UK
Stockist USA
Nioxin System 6 Thinning Hair Kit For Medium/Coarse Hair Natural Hair Noticeably Thinning Hair 3pcs
Tags: Hair Loss, hair loss nioxin, interferon, NIOXIN