How can I relieve chemo scalp pain and sensitivity?
Just as chemotherapy drugs cause hair lossby damaging the fast-growing cells of the hair follicles, they can also damage the skin cells of the scalp. And of course the scalp is now less protected thanks to the hair loss. Sensitivity is a common problem as a result; in addition many cancer patients report itching or flaking. It sounds like the symptoms you are experiencing are very severe, however, and I suggest you call your doctor to discuss them. It's possible you are having an allergic reaction to one of the medications you are on, such as a steroid, and your doctor needs to know.
If you haven't already, you might find it helps to shave your head. Many cancer patients find this more comfortable than dealing with dry, thinning hair and itchy stubble. Also, make sure you protect your scalp with a hat or sunscreen at all times.
Doctors generally advise that you continue to shampoo, but if this is causing you so much discomfort you could try washing less often. If you haven't already, you need to switch to a non-irritating shampoo free of perfumes or dyes. Pat dry gently rather than rubbing with a towel. If this isn't enough, try rubbing an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on your scalp.
Doctors and nurses often recommend replacing your normal cotton or linen pillowcase with a satin one, or one made from smooth cotton sateen, as even the texture of regular cotton cloth can irritate a sensitive scalp. Read more suggestions here.
This answer was not helpful - you did not address directly the question, HOw can I make my scalp hurt less?
So far no one has this answer - so just be honest and say you don't know! Don't go on for 3 paragraphs of BS that we already know.
Sorry to be blunt, but we need answers not hyperbole.
I am getting chemo now too, and my skin has been sensitive in several areas. Surprisingly, Desitin has been such a relief. It is nearly impossible to remove with soap and water so I recommend you put a tiny bit on somewhere that is not too irritated before you slather it on. See how it feels after 24 hours. I have found it to be such a relief I am using it liberally at this point, but it would be a nightmare to get it lathered on there and find it irritating and then not be able to wash it off well.
I hope you got some helpful answers. this is my second time thru chemo and seriously if you are losing the hair anyway shave it. that was the only way of releif for me. each time I got to the end of a round and hair would start falling out I had pain. I shaved and it relieved the pain. God Bless you!
Tumeric is known for helping significantly with the side effects of chemotherapy. Eastern India has the lowest rate of prostate cancer in the world because they take it every day. I found it on-line in pill form for my husband's prostate cancer which spread into his lymph nodes and bones. But I found a better type of tumeric in pill form at the local "veggie" store which sells upscale vitamines not found on-line or in drugstores. This tumeric is 4x more potent than the "regular" pill and you need at least 500mg or preferably more a day to combat the side-effects. The product is "Source Natural" "Meriva Turmeric Complex" I hope this helps and wish you all the best.
This is a dangerous piece of advice. TURMERIC is fine to try to prevent cancer and possibly AFTER chemo but it causes a block to apoptosis which means, it will interact with the chemo and SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN DURING CHEMO!!!!!!! You can look it up, my surgeon warned me not to.... and do not advise something which you know nothing about medically!
I started with the scalp pain. To get rid of the pain, my hair was white and short. so, I took the scissors and trimed my hair where it hurt the most voila...no more pain.
Try putting organic aloe and emu oil in equal ratios into a bottle and apply that after showers and whenever you think of it.
If you need more moisturizing, get some pure organic shea or cocobutter (about 7 oz)from the healthfood store and melt it gently in warm water. Pour it into a mixer and slowly pour in 8 oz organic aloe and 2-3 oz pure emu oil.
Both formulas also help with radiation after-care, especially if the site is kept damp with a cotton hat (for head) or a similar cotton that fits the area afftected by treatment.
