If you are a breast cancer patient, you may have noticed that your skin has become more or less sensitive than before, particularly in your breast region. This occurs as a result of certain breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. These treatments have an impact on the nerve endings of your skin, thus affecting your sensitivity. Sometimes radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause your skin to itch, peel off, dry out and become red, and with winter just around the corner, these symptoms can get worse. Therefore, it is important to follow some simple tips to manage your skin during the winters!
Hydrate yourself
Hydration is one of the most important factors for healthy skin in general and for breast cancer patients during winters. Drink lots of water at regular intervals to keep your body hydrated and prevent dryness. Avoid taking showers with extremely hot water as this can increase your dryness. Ensure that you take a shower with lukewarm water.
Moisturize your skin
Moisturize your skin as much as you can to prevent dryness and itchiness. You may use creams of thick consistency with soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Shea butter, honey, coconut oil etc. These help to retain skin moisture for longer periods of time. Dermatologists recommend applying these creams shortly after your shower or before bedtime for deeper penetration and more effective results.
Use sunscreen
Your skin can get really sensitive after breast cancer treatments and winter just makes it worse. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are still present even if it is winter, therefore it is important to use a sunscreen lotion to protect yourself from these harmful UV rays. Consult your doctor and opt for sunscreens with safe, non-irritating ingredients with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Avoid harsh soaps with chemicals
Soaps that contain chemicals and additional fragrances can be harsh on the skin, especially for cancer patients, whose skin is more sensitive. This can get even worse during winters as your skin becomes very dry. Use soaps with natural, smoothening ingredients and avoid harsh soaps, to prevent itching, dryness, and peeling.
Avoid heavy make-up
As winter makes your skin dry and flaky, you may be tempted to cover those areas with make-up products. But this can only make it worse because winters cause water in your skin to evaporate faster. Heavy make-up just adds on to this by making your skin more dry and tighter. In case you are unable to avoid it completely, try to use emollient-based products which help to retain water in the skin and prevent it from drying out.
Be aware of how breast cancer treatments can impact your skin, have these simple measures noted, and protect your skin from the chilly winter weather!
References:
- Skin Problems. American Cancer Society.
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems.html
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - Providing Hope to Cancer Patients this Winter. Vera Bradley Foundation for breast cancer.
https://www.verabradley.org/news-blog/2021/2/8/providing-hope-to-cancer-patients-this-winter
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - McQuestion M. Evidence-Based Skin Care Management in Radiation Therapy. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2006;22(3):163-173.
- Skin Reactions From Radiation. Oncolink.
https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/radiation/side-effects-of-radiation-therapy/skin-reactions-from-radiation
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - Top 5 Winter Skin Care Tips for Breast Cancer Patients. Breast Cancer Car Donations.
https://www.cardonations4cancer.org/blog/top-5-winter-skin-care-tips-for-breast-cancer-patients/
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - Skin and Nail Changes during Cancer Treatment. National Cancer Institute.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/skin-nail-changes
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - Skin Sensitivity. Breastcancer.org
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/sensitive_skin
Accessed on 26 November, 2021. - Byun H, Lee H, Yang J et al. Daily skin care habits and the risk of skin eruptions and symptoms in cancer patients. Annals of Oncology. 2012;23(8):1992-1998.
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