Ok to get perm. (on hair) while going thru chemo ? - 1262661

healmymom
Posts:44

my mom has only had 1 cycle carbo/alimta -- is it ok for her to get a perm. as she REALLY wants one. So far she has NO issues with her scalp or hair

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JimC
Posts: 2753

Although carbo/alimta is not a major offender, in general chemo causes hair loss because it targets the DNA of fast-growing cells like those which make up hair, so I doubt that a perm would exacerbate the effect of the chemo on hair loss, especially since she has had no problems so far. I have read that if hair loss does occur, the hair which returns after chemo can be fragile. In addition, it's possible the odor of the perm chemicals could bother her. If she having any problems with nausea, it might be good to take a dose of her anti-nausea meds before the perm.

JimC
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Dr West
Posts: 4735

I think the biggest concern would be a potentially complicating interaction of chemicals. I don't know of any studies that speak to the safety or problems with it. I am personally not a fan of adding possibly complicating interactions to chemotherapy.

-Dr. West