In 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer when the first FDA-approved cold cap came out. I hoped it could help with hair loss during chemo, but I wasn’t eligible as I had stage 3 cancer and potent chemo. Despite this, knowing cold caps existed gave me hope for future cancer treatments. Hair loss can have a significant impact on patients, with some refusing chemotherapy due to this side effect. New studies show that cold caps can help retain hair for some patients undergoing chemo, even those on intense treatments like doxorubicin. If you or someone you know is considering cold caps for chemo-induced hair loss, here’s what you need to know.
What is cold capping?
Cold capping involves wearing a helmet-like device to lower the temperature of the scalp during chemotherapy. This process reduces blood flow, minimizing the chemo’s impact on the hair follicles and potentially reducing hair loss.
What are the types of cold caps?
Scalp cooling therapy includes two types of devices: Automated and Manual. The Automated caps are FDA-regulated and use a machine to circulate cooling liquid, while Manual caps require changing every 30 minutes and are not FDA-regulated.
How do cold caps work?
Both types of cold caps function by reducing the scalp’s temperature before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions. Automated systems require healthcare provider assistance, while Manual systems can be managed by family or friends.
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