Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common occurance even for healthy
people. In fact, the average person will lose
between 50 and 150 hairs every day. A person who
has a healthy head of hair has over 100,000 hair
follicles, so losing 50-150 hairs a day is generally
not a problem. However, when people start to lose
more hair than the body can grow then it can be a problem.
Hair loss can be caused by many different factors
including heredity, medical conditions and harsh
hair treatments. Interferon treatment can cause
hair loss (alopecia) and changes in hair texture that
can occur all over the body – not just on the head.
It is, however, rare for someone on HCV therapy to
lose all of their body hair or to go bald. Generally,
people will start to notice that their hair is thinning,
becoming brittle and easily breaking off. Hair color
may become dull and the texture of hair may also
change during therapy – curly hair may become
straight, and vice-versa.
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
HCSP • VERSION 2.1 • December 2008
Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Treatment-related hair loss and changes in texture
can greatly affect body image; and a person’s
appearance directly affects the way they feel about
themselves and how they interact with other people.
If someone is having hair loss while on treatment
and it is affecting them psychologically it is highly
recommended that he or she seek out professional
psychological support or help from a peer led supportgroup.

The good news is that hair loss or change in hair
texture is only temporary and the hair lost and
damaged during treatment will usually grow back
after treatment. Some people even report that
their hair grows back fuller and thicker than beforetreatment.
It is important to know that minoxidil (Rograine) will
not work to repair the damage of interferon induced
hair loss. In fact, minoxidil should be avoided
because it can irritate and dry out the scalp.
There are many steps that people can take to
help reduce the chance of hair loss and other hair problems:
Do not wash hair too frequently
Every once in a while skip the shampoo and just
use water – this will help to retain some of the
natural oil in your hair Apply hair conditioner often
Try gently massaging your scalp (use vegetable oil) in a circular motion. Better yet, have a
friend or loved one massage your head, neck and shoulders
Avoid us ing chemi cal s found in dyes and
permanent s – use natural produc t s when possible
A short layered haircut will make hair look thicker and fuller
Use a Nioxin shampoo to help dry and damaged hair

Try to avoid using a hair dryer, rollers and curling
irons. If a hair dryer is needed, use the lowest
setting possible. If using a towel to dry hair, do not rub too hard
Style hair only when it is dry or damp
Use a soft bristle brush or a wide tooth comb
avoid frequent brushing or combing
Use a sunscreen, hat, or scarf to protect the scalp
and hair from sun damage.Do not tease hair
Avoid hair styles that could strain hair, such as hair weaves or braiding
Use a satin pillow to sleep on Remember that the change in texture and loss of
hair from HCV treatment is temporary and that it
will resolve after stopping treatment.
Be Sure to Check Out the Other Factsheets
in This Series: “HCV Treatment – Side Effect Management”
A Guide to Hepatitis C: Treatment Side Effect Management
Managing Side Effects of HCV Treatment
Side Effect Management: Anxiety, Mania, and Depression
Side Effect Management: Dental Hygiene
Side Effect Management: Depression
Side Effect Management: Depression – For Family and Friends
Side Effect Management: Diarrhea
Side Effect Management: Hair Loss
Side Effect Management: Headaches
Side Effect Management: Hemolytic Anemia
Side Effect Management: Injection Site Reactions
Side Effect Management: Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Side Effect Management: Mouth Sores
Side Effect Management: Nausea
Side Effect Management: Neutropenia
Side Effect Management: Rashes
Side Effect Management: Taste Changes
Side Effect Management: Water
Side Effect Management: Weight Loss

For more information about hepatitis C, hepatitis B and
HCV coinfections, please visit www.hcvadvocate.org.