What Do I Do Now? - 56

56
SIDE EFFECTS AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT /// CHAPTER 38
How to Manage:
Issue
Dryness
Interventions
* Use moisturizers, preferably creams or ointments rather than lotions because the thicker consistency is better at preventing
skin dehydration. Apply the cream or ointment within 15 minutes of showering. Reapply moisturizer at night, and moisturize
your hands every time after you wash them.
* Bathe in warm, instead of hot, water. Hot water dries out the skin. Keep showers short and don't rub your skin to dry off try
patting.
* Avoid perfume, cologne, or aftershave lotion. These products often contain alcohol, which can dry the skin.
* Try to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to help keep your skin moist and healthy.
* Keep your home cool and humid.
Itching
Sun
sensitivity
* Doctors can treat itching with steroids or anesthetic medications applied to the skin. If itching interferes with sleep, oral
medications might work.
* Take a colloidal oatmeal bath (special powder you add to bath water.)
* Use a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30, and make sure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays and to reapply every
2 hours especially if swimming or sweating.
* Use a broad-brimmed hat, and sun-protective (or lightly colored) clothing.
* Keep your lips moist with a lip balm that has an SPF of 15 or higher.
* Do not use tanning beds.
Radiation
Recall
* Protect the area of your skin that received radiation therapy from the sun.
* Do not use tanning beds.
* Place a cool, wet cloth where your skin hurts.
* Wear clothes that are made of cotton or other soft fabrics. This includes your underwear (bras, underpants and t-shirts.)
* Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream or oral medications to help.
General
* Skin can also go through color changes during chemotherapy. If this happens, there are bleaching creams and exfoliants
containing salicylic acid that can help.
* Hot tubs aren't a good idea. They can cause more blood flow to the skin, which can lead to greater blood flow to areas of
inflammation.
* Swimming is not advised if you have any areas where the skin is broken.
* Use an electric shaver rather than a razor to prevent cutting the skin. If the skin is accidentally cut or scraped, clean the area
at once with warm water and soap.
* Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents.
Nails
Nail changes may include dark, yellow or cracked nails and/or cuticles that are red and hurt. You may also see increased
brittleness and/or partial separation from the nail beds which can cause nails to fall off. Don't worry - they grow back! These
changes could happen to your fingernails, toenails or both.
HOW TO
DEAL:
» Use cuticle cream instead of tearing or cutting the cuticles
» Protect nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes, gardening or
doing other household chores.
» Use products to make your nails stronger. (Stop using these products
if they hurt your nails or skin.)

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What Do I Do Now?

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