Skin: cutaneous toxicities

Alopecia is one of the major and frequent toxicities of cytotoxic chemotherapy (Wang et al. 2006). It can vary in degree from sporadic thinning to complete baldness (Batchelor 2001). The degree of this depends on factors such as the type of agents, combination of drugs administered, and their doses (Dougherty 2006). Radiation therapy can also cause alopecia, depending on the area of treatment and the dosage administered to that area. Batchelor (2001) notes that the description of hair loss is frequently under-reported in the literature. Although alopecia is generally reversible, it has been identified as one of the most feared side effects of treatment (Viale 2006). Children on cancer treatment have frequently reported hair loss as a physical problem that created a less satisfying life as a result (Enskär and von Essen 2008; Williams et al. 2006). However, little attention has been given to the management of this side effect