Caring for skin and nails

Cancer treatments and their side effects may cause you to look and feel different. The American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program offers the following tips about caring for your nails, skin and hair loss. You can find more suggestions, including makeup advice at: lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

Your nails may discolor, as well as become very brittle and dry due to treatment.

• Wear gloves while washing dishes, and avoid keeping your hands in water

for very long – it can lead to fungal infections.

• Tell your doctor if you notice signs of inflammation or infection, such as

dark or lifted nail beds.

• Don’t file streaks, stains, or brown spots.

• Use cuticle cream, moisturizer, or olive oil to help prevent dryness, splitting,

and hangnails.

• Don’t use hand creams with alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids.

• Always use formaldehyde-free nail polish.

• Avoid artificial nails during chemotherapy.

Cancer treatments may increase your risk of infection and sensitivity to sunlight as well as cause dry or sensitive skin.

Nails:

Skin:

Chemotherapy Skin Care Tips

• Do not stay in the sun for more than a few minutes. Always wear sunscreen

that has an SPF of 15 or higher, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

• Do not use any type of hormone creams, such as products

with hydrocortisone.

Radiation Skin Care Tips

• Wash the treated area with warm water, not soap or cream, and gently

pat to dry.

• Tell your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness,

irritation, or puffiness.

• If your treatment area becomes itchy, sprinkle a little cornstarch on the

area, avoid scratching, and consult your doctor or radiation therapist. • Ask your doctor before applying sunscreen, cream, lotion, perfume,

deodorant, concealer or any other cosmetic to the treated area.

• Do not use heating pads or ice packs on the treated area.

• Avoid shaving the treated area until your skin has healed. If you must

shave, use an electric razor.

• Consult your doctor about ways to address lingering redness, dryness,

itchiness, or sensitivity after your treatment ends.