Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy that can be very overwhelming. While it can hurt the ego, it's also a constant reminder of illness. If you're treating cancer with chemo, you'll want to know about two cooling systems that may soften the blow of hair loss.
The DigniCap System and Penguin Cold Caps are two treatments that cool the head during chemotherapy to help reduce hair loss. By cooling the scalp, blood vessels around hair follicles are narrowed, making it harder for harm to reach those roots and less likely for all of your hair to fall out.
DigniCap vs. Penguin Cold Caps
DigniCap is manufactured by Swedish company Dignitana. The system consists of a tight silicone cap that cools your head to around 40 degrees while connected to a machine responsible for keeping track of scalp temperature and pumping cooling liquid to the cap.
While it's used in many European countries, The Food and Drug Administration haven't approved the use of DigniCap in the United States....yet. Clinical trials have begun in six medical centers across the United States, including UCLA and Beth Israel in New York City. The current trials will include people with stage I or II breast cancer planning to receive chemotherapy treatment.
Penguin Cold Caps are another cooling treatment, this time hailing from Britain and made of materials approved by the FDA. Patients can bring these caps to chemo sessions on dry ice or store them in special freezers. Unlike DigniCap, Penguin Cold Caps aren't connected to a bigger unit, so it's important to have spare caps to switch into during chemo treatments.
And, of course, don't forget to take care of the hair you DO have! Avoid blow-drying, and NO hair dye!
The Mane Factor to Remember
While it's possible for cold cap systems to help lessen hair loss, every woman's experience is unique. If you're concerned about hair loss due to chemotherapy, visit our new wig center dedicated entirely to connecting women with new hair options. At Mane Image Hair Replacement Center, we'll help you love your hair again!
