Scalp cooling caps are an effective tool to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy treatments. Below is a detailed guide on how to use them correctly to maximise their benefits.
1. How to Use Cold Caps: Cap Preparation Proper Cooling:
Place the cooling caps in the freezer at least 24 hours before use to ensure the refrigerant gel reaches the optimal temperature of -20°C.
Check that the freezer maintains a constant temperature to ensure effective cooling.
2. Preparing the Insulated Box Packing and Transport:
Before the chemotherapy session, place the frozen caps inside the expanded polystyrene insulated box provided.
Add frozen gel packs to the box to keep the caps at the right temperature during transport and use. The insulated box will maintain the caps at the optimal temperature until needed.
3. Applying the First Cap Before Chemotherapy:
Place the first cap on the scalp 30 minutes before beginning the chemotherapy session.
Adjust the cap to fully cover the scalp, ensuring there are no air gaps. Proper fitting is crucial for effective cooling.
4. During Chemotherapy Changing the Cap Every 30 Minutes:
During the chemotherapy session, replace the cap every 30 minutes with a new, cold one from the insulated box.
Make sure you have at least three caps available per session for continuous cooling.
5. Post-Chemotherapy Use After the Session:
Keep the cooling cap on for 60 to 120 minutes after finishing chemotherapy. This additional time is crucial to protect hair follicles from drug absorption.
Continue changing the cap every 30 minutes during this post-session period.
6. Practical Tips Comfort and Safety:
If you feel discomfort or pain, adjust the cap without compromising contact with the scalp. A poorly fitted cap can reduce cooling effectiveness.
Stay well hydrated throughout the process, as cooling may cause slight dehydration.
Preparation and Planning:
Plan ahead and ensure you have an adequate supply of cooled caps ready for use. Use an alarm to remind you of cap change intervals.
Benefits of Scalp Cooling
Reduction of Blood Flow:
Vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the scalp, limiting the amount of chemotherapy that reaches hair follicles and thus reducing damage to these cells.
Decrease in Metabolic Activity:
Cooling decreases the metabolic rate of hair follicle cells, making them less active and less susceptible to absorbing chemotherapy drugs.
Direct Physical Protection:
Cooling reduces the permeability of hair follicle cells, limiting the amount of chemotherapy that can enter and protecting the cells from toxic effects.
Following these steps and tips, you can use scalp cooling caps effectively, significantly reducing hair loss during chemotherapy treatment and enhancing your quality of life throughout this process.
Conclusion
Scalp cooling caps are an effective and practical tool to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy, allowing patients to preserve an important part of their identity and self-esteem during a challenging time. By following this guide, you can maximise the benefits of cooling and effectively protect your hair follicles. From proper preparation of the caps and using an insulated box to maintain temperature, to applying the cap before, during, and after chemotherapy, each step is crucial for optimal results. Additionally, planning and attending to details such as proper fitting and regular cap changes ensure that the process is as comfortable and effective as possible.
With this approach, scalp cooling not only helps to preserve hair but also provides a sense of control and well-being during chemotherapy treatment.
