Scalp Cooling
The St Andrews Ipswich Infusion Centre team are proud to provide the PAXMAN scalp cooling service to eligible patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
What is scalp cooling?
Scalp cooling is an interventional, complimentary therapy to assist in hair retention for patients undergoing chemotherapy that causes alopecia (hair loss). Although complete hair retention is not achievable, scalp cooling has been clinically proven to reduce hair loss by up to 50%. The patient’s hair type, compliance to treatment including home care and chemotherapy protocol can affect the results.
It works by decreasing the temperature of the scalp which causes the constriction of the hair follicles to limit the amount of chemotherapy that passes to the hair shaft.
Scalp cooling needs to begin with the first chemotherapy treatment received and maintained for all following treatments. Patients are required to be at the infusion center for longer due to 30 minutes precooling and up to 90 minutes cooling required after chemotherapy has finished being administered.
Side effects of scalp cooling
- Feeling cold
- Shivers
- Headaches
- Dizziness/ feeling lightheaded
- Altered sense of balance
- Heavy head
- Scalp and forehead pain
- Nausea
- Generalized discomfort
- Patients may request analgesic pain medication to prevent and relive headaches and discomfort
- Patients will be given warm blankets as required
- Patients should come dressed in warm clothes with socks
Please note that patient suitability for this treatment is determined upon patients’ health status, chemotherapy protocol and clinic availability. Patients will be triaged accordingly.
Contact Us
Phone: 3816 9280
Email: infusioncentre@ramsayhealthcare.com.au