Chemotherapy is a treatment used to destroy cancer cells in the body, but it can also affect healthy cells, including skin cells. As a result, chemotherapy can cause various skin-related side effects that may be uncomfortable, painful, and unsightly.

Taking care of your skin during chemotherapy is essential to reduce or prevent skin-related side effects. Here are some tips for caring for your skin during chemotherapy:.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy on the skin is dryness. Therefore, keeping your skin moisturized is essential for comfort and overall skin health.

Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent irritation, and apply it generously to your skin, especially after taking a bath or shower. Avoid using a moisturizer that contains alcohol and instead opt for ones that contain shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Chemotherapy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin damage, including skin cancer.

Therefore, it is vital to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, and hands, at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun.

Avoid Hot Water and Harsh Soaps

Hot water and harsh soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it dry and irritated. Therefore, it is essential to avoid hot water and harsh soaps during chemotherapy.

Instead, take a lukewarm shower or bath, and use gentle, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid scrubbing too hard, which can irritate your skin further.

Use a Humidifier

Chemotherapy can cause dryness in the air, which can exacerbate skin dryness and irritation. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which can help keep your skin hydrated.

Use a humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time, especially at night when your skin is at its most vulnerable.

Avoid Scratching and Picking

Chemotherapy can cause skin irritation and itchiness, which can be challenging to resist scratching or picking. However, scratching or picking at your skin can cause further damage, including infection, scarring, and skin discoloration.

Instead, try to cool the area with a cold compress or use fragrant-free lotions to soothe the itchiness.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for overall skin health, as it helps keep your skin moisturized and supple.

During chemotherapy, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate your body and skin. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy and well-nourished.

Consult with Your Doctor

If you experience severe skin-related side effects during chemotherapy, consult with your doctor or dermatologist.

They may recommend topical ointments, prescription medications, or other treatments to help reduce the discomfort and prevent further skin damage.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy can cause various side effects on your skin, including dryness, sensitivity to the sun, itchiness, and irritation. Therefore, taking care of your skin during chemotherapy is essential to reduce or prevent skin-related side effects.

Keeping your skin moisturized, protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding harsh soaps and hot water, using a humidifier, avoiding scratching and picking, staying hydrated, and consulting with your doctor can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable during chemotherapy.