Caring For Your Skin during Cancer Treatment

Skin reactions are not unusual among cancer patients. While cancer treatment kills cancer cells, it can also have unwanted side effects, such as dry skin, hair loss and brittle nails. Dry and itchy skin is common, as is hair loss. The side effects will depend on the type and dose of medications that are a part of the cancer treatment. But cancer patients have many ways to cope with such changes – from cutting their hair short to moisturizing their skin regularly.

Early intervention is a key to preventing side effects from worsening. Usually your doctor will be able to tell you about the possible skin reaction before the beginning of the treatment. Once you begin treatment, note down any skin reactions you notice and bring them to the attention of your healthcare team.

Skin Care

Cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy, often causes dry, irritated skin. It can get so severely dry that it becomes inflamed and more susceptible to infections. Rather than waiting for symptoms to occur, you can take steps to minimize skin problems before the treatment actually begins. Then, you can continue the regimen during treatment.

Also, avoid long, hot showers. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergent. For moisturizing your skin, use creams or ointments rather than lotions because the thicker consistency is better at preventing skin dehydration.

Some cancer drugs make skin more susceptible to sunburn. Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30, providing protection against both – UVA and UVB rays.

Hair Care

Many cancer drugs target the rapidly dividing cells in the body. These include not just the tumor cells or cancer cells, but also the normal cells in the body that are also rapidly dividing. This leads to hair loss, not just on the scalp, but also on the eyebrows, eyelashes, and the rest of their body. Some cancer drugs are more likely than others to cause hair loss.

Avoid perming or coloring your hair during chemotherapy. The chemicals will further damage your hair and enhance hair loss. Once you are done with your treatment and your hair is back to normal, it is fine to perm or color your hair.

With chemotherapy, hair loss is almost always temporary. However, when it grows back, it may have a different color or texture. During hair loss, a lot of people choose to wear wigs. For others, hats, turbans, and scarves can also camouflage hair loss. However, some people prefer to leave their heads uncovered. In that case, make sure to use sunscreen on your scalp, if you plan to go bare-headed outdoors.

Nail Care

Problems with your nails may develop within weeks or months of your cancer treatment and may continue after you finish treatment. Nails become brittle and dry and may develop in-growth, lines and ridges. Nails can also darken with certain chemo drugs.

Wear gloves when you wash dishes or do other household chores. Moisturize your hands and feet often. Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes.

Be vocal about how your skin feels before and after the treatment. Tell your healthcare team right away if you feel any pain, burning sensation or any other dermatological issues. Be sure to follow any instructions the team gives you on how to care for your skin when you are outside and at home.