Creatively Combat Effects Of Chemotherapy & Radiation on your Skin

I was inspired by an article on how to ease a chemotherapy patient’s skin problems because this was one of the side effects that I struggled with. Over the years my skin has suffered from various problems from dryness, acne to rashes. I knew that when I started my treatment that I would have to be ready to battle yet again any new skin issues that came around. Please discuss skin side effects with your physician. This is blog talk only, reminding you to take good care of yourself.

Remember that chemotherapy and radiation kill the malignant cells but also destroy healthy cells. Your hair falls out and your nails and skin become sensitive, brittle and delicate. I became very photosensitive from the drugs, needing more protection from the sun at all times. I am extremely fair and I freckle easily.

I was lucky that most of my treatments occurred during the winter months and therefore I was not in direct sunlight for any length of time during most of my treatment. I still choose to wear my roots athletic cap and/or a sun hat whenever I am outside. It is interesting that I still wear it most often a year after the end of all my treatment.

I still find that my nails are brittle 1 year after herceptin treatment ending. Remember that the moisture barrier has been damaged and therefore our skin is at a higher risk.

Try to eliminate harsh chemicals, products with acids, fragrances and potentially harmful chemicals such as

Fragrances & Dyes
Acids
Alcohol, Menthol and Peppermint
Chemical sunscreens
Potentially cancer causing substances such as Parabens, & Phthalates,

check this site to search products by name ewg.org/skindeep

I am on a budget so I personally just purchased the basics

These are some suggestions.

2. Take short lukewarm showers or baths rather than hot showers or baths. Although a hot bath is relaxing, hot water dries out sensitive skin. I love hot showers so this is difficult for me. I have noticed a difference since I have lowered the temperature.

3. Use a mild, glycerin-based soap. You may look for a soap that’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Soaps that contain colloidal oatmeal can also relieve itching. Apply fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after bathing..

6. Wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun. You can buy clothing that offers built-in SPF protection, or you can buy a product that adds SPF protection to the clothes you own by adding the product to the washing machine.

I searched the web for homemade recipe’s for natural skin care. I finally found this book. I have added it to my Christmas wish list.

I don’t shun make-up, deodorants and other products but I do seek out products that are as natural as possible. I have opted for plain soap and water until Health Canada decides to ban or add strict guidelines on the chemical triclosan.

1.Jack Black Dry Down Friction Free Powder is talc-free $18.00 sephora.com

4.Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil $14.00 sephora.com

5.The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter $6.00 thebodyshop.ca

My 1st Christmas Wish - A Green Guide to Natural Beauty $17.48 amazon.ca