Dry Ice to the Rescue: How Cold Caps can Assist Chemotherapy Patients as a Hair Saving Solution
While dry ice is often perceived as a storage solution only, its versatility continues to grow into the field of medicine.
While dry ice is often perceived as a storage solution only, its versatility continues to grow into the field of medicine. One of its most recent innovations is that of the ‘cold cap’, a hat that can now be worn by chemotherapy patients to prevent hair loss from the treatments over time. Convenient, compact, and easy to use, these cold caps have quickly become a valuable resource for patients all over the world.
How Does it Work?
Dry ice works within the insulated fabric of the cap in exceptionally cold temperatures that cannot be reached by a freezer, between -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. These ultra cool temperatures work to constrict blood vessels in the skin to greatly reduce the amount of chemotherapy toxins that reach hair follicles in treatments.
The Cooling Process
Although the benefits of cold caps seem to greatly outweigh the cost, the process of maintaining these super cold temperatures in their use has been described as cumbersome by many patients, as the caps require plenty of dry ice to keep them cold throughout treatments. If properly maintained with the coldest temperatures possible, the use of these caps in the before, during, and after processes of chemotherapy treatments has proven to be a successful effort in preventing hair loss for so many patients.
A Renewed Sense of Comfort in Treatment
Not only do these cold caps provide patients with the physical comfort of reducing hair loss, but they also provide a sense of emotional comfort as they complete their treatments. Many testimonials of these caps have explained the way in which the use of cold caps give a renewed feeling of control over their condition that is often lost during treatment, as patients can now look and feel their best with this new advantage.
Cold Caps and Nonprofits
Although cold caps have historically been harder to find, they are now becoming even more accessible to patients through nonprofit organizations dedicated to the cause. Now, patients can access cold caps and seek assistance throughout the process through the efforts of organizations such as Penguin Cold Caps, HairtoStay, and The Rapunzel Project. Many of these organizations also help patients to rent these caps during the duration of their treatment only, making these caps even more accessible and affordable as resources for individuals who are interested in trying them.
Dry Ice for All of Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
