Breast Cancer

A: While you are undergoing cancer treatment, your skin is particularly sensitive. Your normal routine may be too irritating to your skin. During this time, it is important to use products that are gentle to your skin and avoid exacerbating the side effects on your skin. Look for emollient products that have minimal ingredients that are soap-free, fragrance-free, paraben free and have ingredients that closely mimic the components of healthy skin.

A: Surgery is often an important step in treating cancer. During the initial healing, it is important to speak to your surgeon about proper suture care that creates the optimal healing environment. When indicated by your provider, you might want to consider silicone-based scar gels that have been proven to help soften and minimize long term scaring.

A: Dry skin is the most common side effect caused by cancer treatments. The medical term for this is called Xerosis. Anytime we experience dry skin, it means our skin barrier is compromised. Look for gentle products that provide moisture and emollience to repair the skin barrier which can help alleviate dry skin.

A: There is often nothing more frustrating than an itch that cannot be calmed. It is important to share this information with your provider as there might be solutions that can be prescribed. Itchy skin and redness are also associated with skin barrier issues and lack of moisture. Keeping the skin fully hydrated with a barrier repair cream can be helpful.

A: The rays produced by radiotherapy can cause skin lesions known as radiodermatitis. The symptoms range from simple redness to more severe burns. It may be made worse by feelings of pain and/or itching. All of these are symptoms of a compromised barrier. Highly emollient moisturizers formulated to repair the skin barrier might be a good solution. Make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

A: Sun protection is important every day, but it is especially important when you are undergoing cancer treatments as some treatments are not “compatible” with sunlight because they can increase the risk of sunburn and make you more photosensitive. It is important to protect your skin from UV rays and blue light (HEV), which cause sunburn, every day using a sunscreen that is protective and gentle to the skin.