1. What type of skin cleansers are the best to use while undergoing cancer treatment?
When choosing a skin cleanser always use mild soap-free cleansers such as liquids and gels that are labeled for sensitive skin. Avoid products with irritating ingredients, like alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and abrasive exfoliants. Do not scrub your face, use rough washcloths or loofa cloths, keep water at a moderate temperature, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it to ensure that you are taking care of your skin correctly.
2. What is recommended if a skin rash (EGFR RASH) or acne develops as a result of my cancer therapy?
EGFR Rash is a common skin-related side effect of certain medications, targeted therapy and chemotherapy. The dry skin rash may cause scaling, pimples, roughness, itching and burning. Acne like bumps may appear on the face, neck, chest, scalp, and back. Many types of chemotherapy drugs may cause EGFR Rash including Iressa (generic name gefitinib), Tarceva (erlotinib), Erbitux (cetuximab), Tykerb (lapatinib), Vectibix (panitumumab), Caprelsa (vandetanib), and tyrosine inhibitors. The skin becomes tender and sensitive and because the rash is not related to acne it is important that you do not use traditional acne treatments because those product will worsen the condition. It is recommended that you alter your skin care regimen to products for sensitive skin conditions.
3. Are facials safe to have during treatment?
During treatment you can have a modified version of a facial. This means that your esthetician should not administer steam, exfoliate, or applying extreme heat or cold. A creamy hydrating mask and gentle massage is recommended. The esthetician must follow strict infection control guidelines when providing this service due to the high risk of infection that can be transmitted through direct exposure, direct contact, and contaminated equipment.
4. Is it important that the aesthetician know about my condition prior to delivery of services?
It is important for the aesthetician to take a history so that she will have a better understanding of any limitations and precautions that may be necessary to deliver a safe service.
Several necessary questions should include:
It is not advisable to have hair removed while undergoing cancer therapies and during recovery. It is also important to avoid waxing if you are on steroids or have taken steroid medications for a period of three months prior to receiving the service. Skin is too sensitive and can be pulled off leaving infection and bleeding a possibility. Steroids can slow down healing.
6. Is sunscreen important?
It is a must! Since chemotherapy and radiation therapy cause the skin to become photo sensitive, whatever part of your skin that is exposed to the sun needs to be protected. Use a product that provides both UVB and UVA protection. Be sure to check out our blue lizard sunscreen at our online store.
7. What type of skin changes will I experience from treatment?
You may experience the following skin changes during treatment: Dryness, itching, discoloration, the loss of facial hair, loss of elasticity, acne, blisters, rashes, increased skin pigmentation, photo sensitivity, and increased susceptibility to bleeding.
8. What can I do to help manage my skin changes while undergoing treatment?
During treatment it is important that you purge skin care products and makeup that you currently use to avoid any risk of infection due to contamination. Begin a gentle and hydrating skin care regimen that is formulated for sensitive skin and chemical free. Your skin care products need to sooth, heal, provide nourishment and protect your skin from further damage that can be caused by many anti-cancer drugs.
9. How long will it take my skin to recover from the changes after treatment?
Typically the skin improves 4-6 weeks after treatment ends and you will gradually experience the skin you were familiar with prior to treatment, however recovery differs from person to person and you may feel that you are not ready for aggressive skin care products or treatments for a while. In the meantime, you can continue to use the sensitive skin care regiment.
10. Is it safe to shave?
An electric razor is a much better choice because there is a risk of nix, cuts, and bleeding when you use a razor blade.
11. What is Emu Oil?
Our Emu oil is AEA certified Grade A fully refined oil with natural ingredients such as Omega 3, 6, and 9. Emu oil penetrates deeply into your skin providing hydration and a healthy natural supple texture, forcing your skin to heal itself.
12. Why use Emu Oil?
Emu oil is a modern multi-purpose oil that delivers amazing skin care benefits for damaged skin such as; itchy scalp, radiated skin dermatitis, (burns), scars, dehydrated skin, scars, cuts, wounds, and Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia (also known as hand and foot syndrome) occurring from anticancer drugs as well as eczema and psoriasis. Emu Oil also works simultaneously to help relieve discomfort and pain caused by inflammation of injured joints and tissues, because it contains fatty acids that help with reducing pain and inflammation.