Hair loss dry flaky scalp

Hi Mycelium

I also had paclitaxel and carboplatin. 

I am sorry to hear that your scalp has become flaky and dry during your chemo. 

Although I did scalp cooling I did still experience some hair loss and I would find around 2 weeks after chemo my scalp would become very tender and uncomfortable. This would then be followed up with some shedding and during this time I found that it became dry and itchy. 

In general my skin became the same over most of my body and I was told to try a gentle fragrance free moisturiser. This did help a bit. I found Children's Farm products for children in tesco were good. 

I also bought a silky pillow case and this helped as it felt more comfortable.

It is worth keeping an eye on things and perhaps mentioning it at your next review as sometimes they can offer creams on prescription. 

During chemo it was suggested that I wash with an emolient rather than using soap (which can be drying) I also used my normal eczema creams. 

If you do decide to use something then it is best to double check that there is no interaction with the chemo medications. 

If the skin on your scalp shows any signs of getting worse or if there is any pain/bleeding/breaks in the skin - then this would be a time to call the hospital 24 hour line. 

Jane

As ever, thank you for getting back to me, Jane. I've had some suggestions from members of a chemo support group on Facebook, many suggesting using baby shampoo to wash what's left of my hair, and which I was already doing. One said her oncologist had recommended jojoba oil or pure coconut oil, and several others had good results from Aveeno. I mention this in case the info is useful to others here. I am going to try these suggestions and will feed back. Thanks again.

I found it can help to have a small amount of shampoo in your hand and lather it up a bit with your hands- so you are not rubbing it into your hair/scalp. Hair on chemo can be really brittle. I used a wide tooth comb to just gently comb it through. Rinse with luke warm water, use a towel to pat away some of the water and then leave to dry naturally. No heat. I used to use the Childs farm leave in conditioner and I do believe it helped. 

Thank you, Jane. Jojoba oil not helping with the flaking skin. After washing, going to try Aveeno (another recommendation).

Update. Have been using Aveeno Dermexa, very small amount rubbed into my palms then whole scalp for a few days. Currently no more flaking. Thought this info might prove relevant to others with the same issue. Definitely worth trying (though rcognising we're all different so won't necessarily work for everyone).

glad it is working for you.