HCV Treatment Side Effect Management: Hair Loss (Alopecia)

•hcspFACTsheet• Hepatitis C Support Project • www.hcvadvocate.org
a series of fact sheets written
Treatment-related hair loss and changes in texture
can greatly affect body image; and a person’s
by experts in the field of liver
appearance directly affects the way they feel about
disease
themselves and how they interact with other people.
If someone is having hair loss while on treatment
HCV Treatment
and it is affecting them psychologically it is highly
Side Effect Management:
recommended that he or she seek out professional
psychological support or help from a peer led support
group.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) The good news is that hair loss or change in hair
texture is only temporary and the hair lost and
damaged during treatment will usually grow back
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
after treatment. Some people even report that
Hair loss is a common occurance even for healthy their hair grows back fuller and thicker than before
treatment.
people. In fact, the average person wil lose
between 50 and 150 hairs every day. A person who It is important to know that minoxidil (Rograine) will
not work to repair the damage of interferon induced
has a healthy head of hair has over 100,000 hair hair loss. In fact, minoxidil should be avoided
follicles, so losing 50-150 hairs a day is generally because it can irritate and dry out the scalp.

not a problem. However, when people start to lose There are many steps that people can take to
more hair than the body can grow then it can be help reduce the chance of hair loss and other hair
a problem.
problems:
• Do not wash hair too frequently
Hair loss can be caused by many different factors • Every once in a while skip the shampoo and just
including heredity, medical conditions and harsh
use water – this will help to retain some of the
hair treatments. Interferon treatment can cause
natural oil in your hair
hair loss (alopecia) and changes in hair texture that • Apply hair conditioner often
• Try gently massaging your scalp (use vegetable
can occur all over the body – not just on the head.
oil) in a circular motion. Better yet, have a
It is, however, rare for someone on HCV therapy to
friend or loved one massage your head, neck
lose all of their body hair or to go bald. Generally,
and shoulders
• Avoid using chemicals found in dyes and
people will start to notice that their hair is thinning,
permanents – use natural products when
becoming brittle and easily breaking off. Hair color
possible
may become dull and the texture of hair may also • A short layered haircut wil make hair look thicker
and fuller
change during therapy – curly hair may become • Use a Nioxin shampoo to help dry and damaged
straight, and vice-versa.
hair
HCSP • VERSION 2.1 • December 2008
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• Try to avoid using a hair dryer, rollers and curling Be Sure to Check Out the Other Factsheets
irons. If a hair dryer is needed, use the lowest in This Series: “HCV Treatment – Side Effect
setting possible. If using a towel to dry hair, do Management”
not rub too hard
•
A Guide to Hepatitis C: Treatment Side Effect Management
• Style hair only when it is dry or damp
•
Managing Side Effects of HCV Treatment
• Use a soft bristle brush or a wide tooth comb • Side Effect Management: Anxiety, Mania, and Depression
– avoid frequent brushing or combing
•
Side Effect Management: Dental Hygiene
• Use a sunscreen, hat, or scarf to protect the scalp • Side Effect Management: Depression
and hair from sun damage
•
Side Effect Management: Depression – For Family and Friends
• Do not tease hair
•
Side Effect Management: Diarrhea
• Avoid hair styles that could strain hair, such as • Side Effect Management: Hair Loss
hair weaves or braiding
•
Side Effect Management: Headaches
• Use a satin pillow to sleep on
•
Side Effect Management: Hemolytic Anemia
•
Side Effect Management: Injection Site Reactions
Remember that the change in texture and loss of • Side Effect Management: Maintaining a Positive Attitude
hair from HCV treatment is temporary and that it • Side Effect Management: Mouth Sores
will resolve after stopping treatment.
•
Side Effect Management: Nausea
•
Side Effect Management: Neutropenia
•
Side Effect Management: Rashes
•
Side Effect Management: Taste Changes
•
Side Effect Management: Water
•
Side Effect Management: Weight Loss

For more information about hepatitis C, hepatitis B and
HCV coinfections, please visit www.hcvadvocate.org.
•hcspFACTsheet•
A publication of the Hepatitis C Support Project
Executive Director
The information in this fact sheet is
Editor-in-Chief, HCSP Publications designed to help you understand and
Alan Franciscus
manage HCV and is not intended as
medical advice. All persons with HCV
Design
Paula Fener
should consult a medical practitioner for
diagnosis and treatment of HCV.
Production

C.D. Mazoff, PhD
This information is provided by the
Hepatitis C Support Project • a nonprofit
Contact information:
organization for HCV education, support
Hepatitis C Support Project
PO Box 427037
and advocacy• © 2008 Hepatitis C
San Francisco, CA 94142-7037
Support Project • Reprint permission is
granted and encouraged with credit to
alanfranciscus@hcvadvocate.org
the Hepatitis C Support Project.
HCV ADVOCATE
www.hbvadvocate.org
HCSP • VERSION 2.1 • December 2008
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