Skin Care Advice for Cancer Patients

By Dawn Baker, Chrysalis Spa & Skin Care Center

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2007
Articles & News : Articles : Tests & Treatment

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Safe, healthy and effective skin care can be challenging with individuals experiencing the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and other forms of treatment for cancer. The skin, being the largest organ of the body is a reflection of what is going on both internally and externally. For those on cancer treatment, management of skin reactions and side effects is an important component to getting through the treatment process as comfortably as possible.

 

Skin can become sensitive or reactive to everyday skin care products, specific ingredients contained in skin or hair products, medicines, weather conditions, cosmetics as well as many other elements.

 

There are so many �unhealthy� ingredients contained in everyday skin care that it is important to read the labels on your products. These ingredients can cause adverse reactions. The most frequent cosmetic culprits are fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and lanolin and its derivatives, p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and propylene glycol. Before using any cosmetic, read the label carefully and follow the directions exactly. This is especially important when using antiperspirants, depilatories and hair color. To determine whether you are allergic to a cosmetic, apply a small amount on the inside of your forearm. Leave it on for 24 hours. If you see any adverse side effects such as redness, blisters, or itching, discontinue use.

After having family, friends and customers experiencing skin related side effects from cancer treatments, I had never heard of any product on the market made specifically for cancer patients until a few months ago. Lindi Skin Care was brought to my attention by a co-worker whose mother was undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. Her sister, who resides in Pennsylvania, the birthplace of Lindi Skin, sent her some products she thought might benefit her. She was hooked! Even her oncologist was impressed by her skin. The comfort that she experienced was something she wanted the world to know about! After doing a little research on the line, I realized that there was no one in Canada carrying the Lindi products. I contacted them right away to make them available here in Halifax. I felt it was a great addition to Chrysalis Spa & Skin Care Center considering our specialty was in helping those with difficult skin conditions.

Although there are numerous types of skin related disorders with cancer treatments, here are some but not limited to common conditions the skin may experience.

Hand Foot Syndrome

Also known as Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE), Hand Foot Syndrome is a common side-effect to certain types of chemotherapy. Patients may find that their hands and feet will become red and irritated, and then will begin to crack and peel. Hand Foot Syndrome can become so severe that patients are unable to perform normal daily tasks, as their hands will be too sore to carry out common routines, such as driving or food preparation. Maintain skin hydration by using intense moisturizer like Lindi Soothing Balm to help re-hydrate and protect against moisture loss.

Rashes and Acneiform Rash

Often, the rash appears like acne. It is not acne and should not be treated like a breakout. Patients should consider a light, hydrating moisturizer, like Lindi Face Serum, for  acne-like or Acneiform rash, which often appears on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders and scalp (though could appear anywhere on the body). Using a mild face wash, like Lindi Face Wash, helps soothe irritation and redness.

Rashes and irritations are common to many types of chemotherapy along with mild to severe itching. Using Lindi Body Wash and Lindi Body Lotion as part of a daily regimen will help to hydrate and maintain skin condition, in order to mitigate discomfort. Lindi Skin Cooler Pad and Lindi Skin Cooler Roll cool and hydrate. Both contain aloe to help soothe. Lindi Face Moisturizer is beneficial to face and neck area for moisture level and maintenance.

Dermattis, including Radiation Dermattis

Radiation Dermatitis can be mild to very severe, depending upon the individual, skin type and radiation therapy regimen/dose. Lindi Skin Cooler Roll and Lindi Skin Cooler Pad are hydrous sheets which contain aloe to help soothe and green tea for its antioxidant activity. Lindi Skin Coolers help to hydrate and instantly cool radiated, burned or sensitive skin.

Leukopenia, Neutropenia and Infection

Neutropenia can cause skin discoloration or grayness. Lindi Face Tint is a tinted moisturizer, with only a touch of color. It is not a heavy makeup or foundation, but a lightly tinted serum made to impart a healthy "glow" to skin tone. Lindi Face Tint is made for any skin type.

 

 

Ingredients you want to avoid while undergoing treatments.

• Benzyl peroxide and other topical acne preparations.
• Alcohols, astringents, and anything that dries the skin
• Metals, which are often found in newer skincare products Alpha and beta hydroxy acids and other peeling agents
• Dermabrasion and other skin resurfacing products
• Certain botanicals common to skincare products such as arnica, ginseng, menthol, tea tree, camphor, eucalyptus, wintergreen, and others that are known irritants
• All natural or unpreserved products. (Individuals on treatment with low white cell count are well served by the protection that an appropriate preservative system offers
• Harsh and abrasive cleansing and exfoliating products including salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, loofahs, pumice stones, and other exfoliating products or devices

Information on Lindi Skin Care can be obtained at Chrysalis Spa & Skin Care Center, 5521 Young Street, Halifax. Call us directly at 902-446-3929 or visit our website http://www.chrysalisspa.com under products.  Sample kits are available at no cost to patients interested in trying this amazing line.

Dawn Baker is owner of Chrysalis Spa & Skin Care Center since 2002, Clinical Aesthetician specializing in difficult skin conditions. Dawn has been practicing since 1995 and obtained her advanced Clinical training in 2000 from Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas and the Institute Dermed Atlanta, Georgia 2002. Dawn has been an educator in advanced clinical skin care since 2002.

Have comments about this article? We'd love to hear from you. Please email us at abcn@abcn.ca!