Useful Tips of Skin, Hair and Nail care

Skin,Hair and nail care is an important but neglected aspect in pre andpost cancer therapy. Looking Good is very important to start feelingbetter while undergoing various chemotherapeutic and radiationtreatments.

But why is skin care important during therapy?

There are 4 important reasons :
1. It is the most visible side effect.
2. There is a great Psychological discomfort with skin manifestations.
3. It can lead to systemic infections
4. Most importantly it affects routine life

TheGood News however is that most of it is reversible, easilytreatable and only basic care is required for correction of suchproblems

Thereforelet’s look at how we can feel better by looking good

HairLoss

Hairloss is the most disturbing side effect. Some patients feel that thisis worse than losing a breast. This is because it threatens yoursense of self, your sexuality, your personal image and most of all---YOUR PRIVACY.
The Good News is that it may be traumaticbut it is Temporary.

So why does hair loss occur?

Chemotherapytargets all rapidly dividing cells. Since hair follicle cells divideevery 24 – 72 hours hence even those cells are destroyed. Hairloss may be gradual or dramatic. It may present as clumps in yourhand brush, in tub drain or pillow. It usually affects only scalphair but can affect other areas. Extent  of hair loss depends ontreatment use and duration.

The various drugs that can cause hair loss are:
* Adriamycin: that causes complete hair loss in first few weeks including areas other than scalp.
* Methotrexate: mostly just thins hair.
* 5 - Fluorouracil: Minimal hair loss.
* Radiation Therapy can cause Hair loss only on particular part of body treated.

* Whereas Tamoxifen may cause some hair thinning, but not baldness.

And how soon does hair grow back?

PostChemotherapy: within 2-3 wks a Soft fuzz may be noted. In 1 month,Real hair may be seen and in 2 months 1 inch of hair may be seen.Hair growing may be different color, different texture.
Postlocal Radiation: it may take 4 – 6 months before growth can benoticed. However few bald areas may remain. Post tamoxifen hairloss usually tapers off after 1 year. In these cases minoxidil, adrug that promotes hair growth can be tried.

Itis not very difficult to cope with hair loss. You can crop it shortor cover it with a scarf or a wig. However it is necessary to becareful before using a lot of cosmetics to cover or promote hairgrowth.

SkinCare

Thecommon skin problems experienced during chemotherapy include
* Rash/ allergic reaction
* Itching
* Dryness of skin
* Darkening ofskin
* Oral erosions

Basiccare can help in alleviating most of these conditions:

* ForDryness of Skin it is important to moisturize frequently. Itis better to use a heavy weight moisturizer.
* To prevent Darkening of Skin use a Sunscreen with High SPF. Umbrella is amust when going outdoors.
* Itching is mostly temporary andusually symptomatic treatment is enough. If persistent it isimportant to contact your care giver to rule out systemicproblems.
* Skin changes noted during radiation therapy areColor Change where lighter skin turns red and darker skin turnsashen.
Itching, burning, tenderness may be experienced in fewcases.
* Dry peeling of skin and also wet peeling, blistering atsensitive areas such as armpits and under breast folds may benoted.
* All skin changes post radiation generally heals quickly.Redness goes away fast, Tanning however may persist for a few weeks. 

Use of moisturizers help and sometimes, topical steroidal creams areneeded. 

 * Cosmetics should be carefully used during chemotherapy.

* Moisturizers can be used liberally. Exfoliation can be done at times. Facials, massage not   contraindicated but it is important to be careful.

* Deodorants, sprays can be used but avoid using if the skin is peeling or raw.

BasicSkin Tips for a healthy skin would include,

* Sleep on your back with head elevated to reduce puffiness of face in morning

* Avoid Smoking

* Avoid alcohol based cosmetics

* Avoid washing face more than twice in a day

* Moisturize daily

* Use sun screens liberally

NailCare

It is alsoimportant to take care of nails. Common Nail changes duringchemotherapy are:

* Pigmentation of the nail plate

* Brittleness of the nail plate

* Nail plate separating from base

* Infection of nail

* Dryness at nail cuticle

Toavoid further nail damage

* Clip Nails short

* Do not cut or bite your cuticles

* Nail polish is ok but w/f reactions

* Avoid artificial nails

* Wear gloves during household work to avoid nail plate infection