1Post Graduate, Dept. of Dermatology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dermatology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
3Professor and HOD, Dept. of Dermatology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
*Corresponding Author: Email: malcolmpinto@gmail.com
Online published on 24 September, 2018.
There has been an increase in cancer related morbidities; a significant part of it being related to therapies. Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells like skin, hair follicles and nail matrix. Hence a significant number of adverse effects are related to the skin and its appendages. Several factors may contribute to the severity of hair loss including the drug, dosage, schedule as well as hair care practices
To determine the frequency and significance of hair manifestations in patients on cancer chemotherapy
A total of 50 patients attending the oncology outpatient department or those admitted in the oncology ward Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Mangalore between June 2017 and August 2017 were studied. All hair diseases, frequency and type of hair loss among patients were documented. Findings were tabulated and correlated with the cancer and the chemotherapy
Hair changes were mainly in the form of diffuse alopecia in 68%, anagen effluvium was seen in 52% patients
Though the adverse effects on hair are not serious, it can cause considerable anxiety to the patient. Hence prior counselling regarding the same needs to be advocated to improve the quality of life of the patient.
Chemotherapy, Anagen Effluvium, Quality of life
