Why Is My Scalp Tender From Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is used to attack rapidly growing cancer cells. A common side effect of treatment is hair loss, or alopecia, because the chemotherapy also attacks the cells in hair roots and causes many reactions in the scalp.

What is chemotherapy?

• Chemotherapy drugs, often referred to as just "chemo," are powerful chemical medications used to treat severe illness by killing cells that may be quickly dividing and spreading the disease. Usually used to kill cancers, the medications are highly toxic, affecting the body in several ways.

Effect on scalp

• Whether or not a patient loses his hair, he may have tenderness on the scalp because of chemotherapy. Some drugs are more likely than others to cause reactions of the scalp because the chemotherapy is attacking the scalp's healthy cells, as well as the cancerous ones.

Scalp Sensitivity

• When extreme scalp sensitivity occurs during chemo-induced hair loss and during the regrowth period, the result is often itchiness, dry patches and irritated skin. The skin may be red or easily irritated in the days, weeks and months during and after treatment, according to KidsHealth.

Protection

• As hair falls out, the scalp is less protected from environmental effects, such as sun, wind and cold air. All of these on a thinning or bald scalp will further irritate the skin.

Recommendations

• Doctors recommend sunscreen and a head covering. According to SkinandScalpTreatment.com, zinc and tea tree oil can help provide relief to the scalp. Wash the scalp only as necessary. Stay away from shampoos with strong detergents and chemicals that further irritate the scalp, including salicylic acid, alcohol and commercial products with fragrances.