How to cope with the changes to skin and nails during cancer treatment

“Women diagnosed with cancer are often faced with distressing side-effects as a result of their treatment, some of which can change their appearance and body image. These physical changes may include hair loss (including eyebrows and eyelashes), sensitive and dry skin, uneven skin pigmentation, puffiness, brittle nails and nail discolouration,” explains Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB), a charity organisation that helps women cope with the appearance-related side-effects of cancer treatment.

Chemotherapy, a treatment that uses a combination of drugs to halt rapidly dividing cancer cells, tends to make the skin dry, explains LGFB. Radiation has a different effect on the skin. No matter your natural complexion, the skin colour of the area being treated will change, says breastcancer.org. Lighter skin will turn red and dark skin will become darker or more ashen. You may also experience itching, burning and tenderness on the treated area. Fortunately, once treatment stops, your skin will soon return to normal. However, after radiation, the affected area remains photosensitive for at least a year, she says.

Nails also take a beating with chemo. Your nails may become pigmented or discoloured. They may become more brittle, so they won't grow as long as they used to and may break more easily.” When it comes to caring for your skin and nails, you'll likely have to adjust your beauty routine. Hewson recommends that all products you use be for a sensitive skin and she recommends you avoid anything active including anti-ageing skincare products and items like exfoliators. Rather opt for soothing, deeply hydrating products. Also avoid applying fragrances to affected areas. Importantly, you need to ensure you're diligent with sun protection, regardless of your skin colour, so invest in SPF30.

As nails weaken, you need to take special care during this time. Nails can actually lift off the nail bed and become easily infected. Avoid cutting your cuticles as this makes them prone to bacterial infection. Rather exfoliate and soak nails in tea tree oil, which is a natural antiseptic, explains Hewson. File nails rather than clip and avoid using dark nail polish as this can hide the signs of an infection. Also avoid wearing gloves or socks at night after moisturising as this can encourage bacterial growth. And it goes without saying that artificial nails or bio gels are to be avoided, she adds.

Thankfully, while you're going through this assault on your body, you'll be pleased to know that make-up is something you can use to reconnect with your femininity. However, when wearing make-up, Hewson has a few tips. Because your immune system takes a knock, you're more inclined to pick up opportunistic bacterial infections so you need to step up make-up hygiene. That's why you should purchase new mascara at the beginning of your treatment and discard at the end, she says. Should you experience an eye infection during treatment, discard immediately and rather buy another. Avoid pumping the wand as this can force bacteria into the product.

Apply an eye cream to dry lips frequently during the day and avoid lining and colouring in the lips with lip liner as this can dry the lips. When it comes to blush, opt for a cream over a powder texture, she says. The same holds true for foundation: opt for a rich, hydrating formula as opposed to a mattifying texture.

Top tip

An LGFB workshop is a great idea for someone you know undergoing cancer treatment. Beauty professionals share tips on skincare and make-up application in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. “There is an appearance transformation; women reconnect with themselves, receive new information relevant to their condition and tips on applying make up professionally,” explains Hewson. To find out more about a workshop in your area, visit www.lgfb.co.za , e-mail info@lgfb.co.za or call (011) 795 3927.

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• Breast friends
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