Some women who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment experience very few appearance-related side effects. Others are not so fortunate. While some of these physical changes are more dramatic than others, many women commonly experience hair loss (including eyebrows and eyelashes), sensitive and dry skin, a pale or sallow complexion, uneven skin pigmentation and puffiness, brittle nails and nail discolouration
Chemotherapy uses combinations of drugs that halt rapidly dividing cancer cells. There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs and each comes with its own side effects. Dry skin is one of the most common. Here's how to rehydrate it!
- apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp ~ take special care of sensitive areas around eyes and lips
- avoid sun exposure when you can ~ when you can't, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor
- cover up by wearing protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
- instead of cutting your cuticles, massage in cuticle cream daily to prevent dryness, splitting and hangnails
- avoid hormone creams as well as products containing hydroxcortisone
Radiation treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells' ability to grow and divide. The following tips will help you minimize the impact of radiation on your appearance:
- keep treated areas out of the sun and avoid exposing treated areas to extreme temperatures
- temporary pigment changes may occur (like tanning or redness), so ask your doctor about using concealer, perfume and deodorant on treated areas
- wait until your treatment has finished to shave ~ if you must shave, be sure to use an electric razor
- use warm water, without soap or creams, on treated areas and gently pat them dry
- if the treated areas itch, contact your radiation therapist and try applying a light sprinkling of cornstarch to soothe irritated skin
- inform your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in skin colour or notice signs of infection