Does Radiation therapy Cause Hair Loss? What Research Shows
Hair loss is a common side effect from radiation therapy for cancer. The incidence largely depends on the area of your body being treated, as well as the dose of radiation.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) is commonly used in the treatment of certain cancers. It works by using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells.
While radiation therapy helps kill cancer cells, it can also damage healthy cells in your body. This may lead to a range of side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and hair loss (alopecia), with the site of treatment playing a large factor.
If a doctor has recommended radiation therapy to treat your cancer and you have concerns about hair loss, here’s the important information you need to know regarding the short-term and long-term effects of treatment.
Why does radiation cause hair loss?
Hair loss caused by radiation therapy is often called radiation-induced temporary alopecia. Research shows that this type of hair loss tends to develop in rectangular patches without swelling of the underlying skin.
Unlike chemotherapy, which can lead to hair loss all over your body, radiation therapy may cause hair loss only around the site where your treatment is administered. For example, radiation treatment for brain or neck tumors commonly leads to scalp hair loss.
If radiation is used on other parts of your body, you may lose hair in those surrounding areas. These may include hairs on your face, chest, and abdomen.
Another factor in radiation-induced hair loss is the amount of radiation used during treatment. The higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience hair loss as a side effect.
It’s thought that radiation destroys keratinocytes, which are located in your hair follicles and helps to protect them.
When your hair follicles sustain any type of damage, they can no longer hold your hair in place, leading to a loss of hair. Damaged hair follicles also cannot produce new hairs.
Is radiation hair loss permanent?
Radiation-related hair loss isn’t permanent. Healthy cells may begin growing again a few months after you stop radiation, with other short-term side effects also improving during this time.
Once you’ve finished your radiation treatments, your hair should begin growing back to its original thickness, and you’ll likely grow new hairs to replace the ones that you lost. However, you may also experience changes in texture and thickness during this process.
In all, it takes an average of 3 to 6 months for your hair to grow back after radiation treatments stop.
What are the other side effects of radiation?
Radiation treatment can also cause other possible side effects to consider, including short-term and long-term effects.
The exact side effects depend on how much radiation you receive, the duration of your treatment schedule, and the location site.
Short-term side effects of radiation
Short-term side effects are those that develop shortly after your radiation treatments. Hair loss is one of them. These tend to last for no more than a few weeks and are mostly mild in severity.
Possible short-term side effects of radiation include:
- fatigue
- skin redness or other color changes, swelling, or irritation
- skin blistering and peeling
- dry mouth
- coughing or shortness of breath
- mouth sores
- sore throat
- headaches
- earaches or hearing problems
- nausea
- vomiting
- gastrointestinal discomfort
- urinary problems
- appetite changes
- seizures
- general soreness at the site of treatment
- short-term fertility problems
Long-term side effects of radiation
While the types of side effects experienced from radiation treatment are highly individual, some people may have more long-term effects after treatment ends.
Also called “late side effects,” these can take several months or years to develop, and may include:
- memory loss
- radiation pneumonitis
- radiation cystitis
- fistulas
- urinary incontinence
- long-term fertility problems
- heart disease
How to care for your hair during radiation therapy
You may not be able to prevent hair changes from cancer treatment, but there are steps you can take to help care for your hair during and after radiation therapy. You can:
- avoid using blow dryers or heated styling tools (pat it dry instead)
- use soft-bristled brushes and combs to avoid hurting your scalp
- avoid hair clips and tight hair bands
It’s also important to protect your scalp or skin from the sun. Wearing hats, scarves, or long sleeves can help, depending on where you’ve lost hair from radiation treatment. Sunscreen can also help protect your face, arms, and legs.
Frequently asked questions about radiation, hair loss, and other side effects
A doctor will speak with you about possible side effects of radiation treatment. Consider discussing the following frequently asked questions with them, as well.
How long does hair loss last after radiation?
The effects of radiation treatment to your hair will stop once you complete treatment. This allows healthy cells to grow back, including those that help generate new hairs.
However, it can take several weeks or months for any lost or thinning hair to grow back to its normal state, especially if you received higher doses of radiation.
How long does radiation stay in your body after cancer treatment?
The amount of time radiation stays in your body depends on the type and duration of treatment.
Systemic (oral) radiation treatments last longer than external radiation treatments. In fact, oral radiation can still be in your body for a few days after administration.
Do you ever fully recover from radiation?
The effects of radiation treatment vary between people. Some may experience several side effects, while others may experience little to no effects.
The amount of treatment you have, the site of your cancer, and your overall health can also affect your recovery.
Takeaway
Despite its damage to your hair follicles, radiation treatment’s effects on your hair are considered temporary, with most cases resolving within months after cancer treatment stops.
If you are concerned about the effects of radiation on your hair, consider speaking with a doctor about ways you can help manage them.
