Scalp pain following cold cap

Hi Rach16528

I used the cold cap during chemo from May to August 2022.

I found that any discomfort from the actual cap tended to go within 24 hours at the most. It was like a headachy, tight feeling. The headaches from chemo tended to feel different to the cold cap one. And the headaches caused by my chemo were different to the painful scalp.

I found that I often had the pain you describe when I was losing hair and for a few days before. It was definitely the chemo causing the hair loss that caused the discomfort for me. I could predict when I was shedding as my scalp felt uncomfortable. 

I had thinning all over and did not have any bald patches. I lost all body hair fairly quickly. I found that I did have very itchy/uncomfortable eyes when I lost my eye lashes. 

Even with scalp cooling I was told that you would still experience shedding. I used a theatre hat to protect my scalp on the following treatments. I had hair regrowth beginning between the 2nd and 3rd chemos. Just very slight but was visible. I took photos each cycle and this helped me as you don't notice the changes each day when you look in the mirror but it helped me trust that the cool cap was working. 

I had one big shed at about the time you are at now and subsequent cycles I did lose but it was far less. I lost a bit after chemo ended but still had no bald patches. Within a couple of months post chemo my hair started to grow much quicker and soon thickened up. I feel it did help protect my hair follicles. So it was worth it for me. I hope it also helps you. 

Maybe mention the scalp pain to your CNS for a bit of reassurance.

Jane

Pain is probably from chemo. I used the cold cap and did get discomfort. I used baby shampoo or on recommendation Grow me shampoo and grow me conditioner. I only washed my hair immediately after cold cap and then once in-between 3 weekly chemo sessions and used a wide tooth comb. I had conditioner on before the cold cap. My oncologist was impressed with the amount of hair I retained. I was given a wig but never had to wear it.

Good luck xx

Hi, I had my 1st chemo Tuesday and used cool cap, had no pain or headache afterwards, only through the initial 15mins of wearing it x

The other thing that helped me was using silky pillowcase. More gentle on your hair. 

I had a big loss in spite of the cold cap at about two weeks in. Persist with it if you can. Because as others have said, it does protect your folicles and hair will grow back faster.

I had a real itchy, picky scalp when shedding. Scalp oil was a godsend. I used it every day and before bed. You can make your own with good oil - and rosemary essential oil. Balmonds also does a great scalp oil which is what I started out with before I got into making my own toiletries. It has Rosemary along with other soothing herbs. 
I got a sleep cap that had a silk interior from Amazon. This was soft on the fokicles and protected my pillows from any excess oil.

Good luck. It seems like a forever journey but you will get there. X

shannon

I agree, silk pillow a big boon. My chemo treat was a silk pillow case and a silk base sheet. Very much recommend xx