Personal Care and Lifestyle

Personal care and lifestyle

INTRO

There’s no getting around the fact that cancer can have a massive impact on many different aspects of your life. Your life as a teenager or young adult can be turned upside-down so it’s important to keep things as normal as possible. Knowing the facts can help you to continue your routines while staying safe – like how to look after your body on treatment, knowing how often you can exercise or managing your social life responsibly.

WASHING

Cancer treatments can leave your skin feeling sensitive and sore. Be kind to yourself during this time. Wash using tepid rather than hot water and look out for mild or gentle ranges of products such as cleansers, toners and moisturisers – they will still work effectively. Strong fragrances may also be an issue if you’re feeling nauseous, so experiment until you settle on a routine or product that works for you.

It’s also important to take care of your skin in the sun by using sun creams or moisturisers with a high sun protection factor (SPF), and cover up with light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Your medical team can answer any questions you may have, especially if you’re receiving radiotherapy treatment or dealing with skin conditions like acne or eczema. They can also advise you on specific skincare routines such as exfoliation and use of face masks.

SHAVING

For some people, hair loss is a natural consequence of treatment. But if facial or body hair is still something you need to deal with, taking a razor blade to skin that’s sensitive, dry, bumpy or fragile could just create problems. A traditional wet shave can often cause scrapes nicks and cuts. During cancer treatment, this could cause bleeding that doesn’t clot easily, as well as bruising and a risk of infection. If your skin has been negatively affected, waxing and hair-removal creams are also not advisable.

An electric razor is kinder to sensitive skin and can be just as effective, but check in with your care team first. If your team give you the all clear to shave with a traditional razor, just make sure you proceed with care and caution to reduce the risk of infection – like using clean tools and gentle products.

HAIR CARE

It can be tough dealing with changes to your hair. Treating it with a bit of TLC can make all the difference. Some chemotherapy treatment can cause hair loss, thinning or brittleness. Using a baby shampoo and soft brush can help you to care for your hair during this time. Also let your hairdresser or barber know that you’re undergoing treatment so they can work with you on a manageable style. As tempting as it might be to reinvent, avoid colouring, perming and heat irons such as tongs or straighteners throughout treatment and for six months afterwards.

If you’ve lost your hair, or you’ve chosen to shave it, continue to wash your scalp regularly. As we’re dealing with skin and not hair here, you could choose to switch from shampoo to a gentle face wash. After rinsing with warm water, pat dry and then finish with a moisturiser. A head massage will also help to keep your scalp feeling good and looking healthy. Finally, be sure to apply sun cream with a high SPF if you’re spending time outside.

WIGS

It’s your choice whether you opt for a wig or not. There are lots of people who confidently rock hats, headscarves or natural looks. Wigs are great if you want to cover up and can even be an opportunity to explore new hairstyles you’d never otherwise go for! Ask your care team to recommend a good supplier or you might be able to get one on the NHS. If it helps, take a trusted friend or family member with you. Try out different styles and don’t place yourself under any pressure. The key is to go for something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you choose something custom-made or off-the-shelf, using synthetic or real hair, always consult with the seller or manufacturer about how to keep your wig in the best shape so you can wear it with confidence.

DEODORANTS AND ANTI-PERSPIRANTS

At a time when skin can be sensitive, many people having cancer treatment prefer to use gentle scent-free deodorants that include natural ingredients. Deodorants work by neutralising bacteria in sweat, which is responsible for odour as it breaks down on the skin. Roll-ons are often favoured at this time as they can be more comfortable to apply than the spray form. Anti-perspirants are also available in both forms. These work by blocking sweat glands, and use comes down to personal choice. Should you have any questions about using deodorant or anti-perspirant during treatment, your care team will be happy to help.
NAILS

Chemotherapy treatment can cause nails to become brittle and some people also find their nails develop a ridging effect. This is harmless, but you can take care of your nails during this time by applying a simple nail oil or non-perfumed hand cream, both of which can be found in the health and beauty sections of most pharmacies and supermarkets. This will help to moisturise your nails, including the cuticles, and any marks will grow out over time. It isn’t advisable to use artificial or gel nails during this time but once treatment is complete, you’ll find your nails will begin to regain strength and condition.

DENTAL CARE
You might find treatment has an impact on your mouth, teeth or gums. Good oral hygiene will go a long way to minimising side effects such as inflammation, pain and sensitivity, mouth sores, and an increased risk of tooth decay and infection. This begins with gentle brushing, morning, night and after meals, using a toothbrush with soft bristles and an interdental brush to get between teeth. Tell your dentist that you’re undergoing treatment as soon as possible and let them know about any impact it may have on your oral health.

COSMETICS

At a time when you might be dealing with changes in your physical appearance, make up can play an important role in keeping you confident and feeling like yourself. . Make up counters can give helpful advice when it comes to products for sensitive skin and how to best apply them. Also, ask your care team about Look Good Feel Better, a charity established by the cosmetics industry that specialises in make up for people with cancer. Your care team may be able to direct you to one of the workshops they run in your local area.

FAKE TAN

Lots of us feel better when we have a bronzed glow and this might be an important part of your normal routine. Look out for and choose tanning products for sensitive skin. Begin by applying to a small area to be sure it doesn’t cause a reaction or irritate the skin. As for other tanning methods, you should definitely avoid using sunbeds during treatment and for some time afterwards while your skin is still fragile. Also be sensible about the sun. This means protecting yourself using sun care products with a high sun protection factor (SPF). There’s no need to stay indoors or hide from the sun. Just be smart about your skin, and don’t hesitate to turn to your doctor or a member of your care team with any specific questions you may have.

EXERCISING

Regular, gentle exercise is often encouraged throughout cancer treatment, but it’s vital that you consult your care team first, a trained physiotherapist or someone from the CLIC Sargent team. This is because all sorts of factors need to be taken into account to work out what’s appropriate for you, from the impact of treatment on hormones, flexibility, mobility and more. With the facts to hand, they can advise you on a course of action that puts your health and welfare first.

If it’s okay to exercise, think about an activity you enjoy – or choose something new if your usual routine is out of the question – and set up something that works for you. Ultimately, your care team can guide you every step of the way.

ALCOHOL

For most people drinking in moderation is generally fine, though alcohol can interfere with some chemotherapy drugs. Your care team will be able to advise you specifically based on your treatment regime.

If you find it difficult to moderate your drinking during treatment, help and support is always on hand. If alcohol is an issue, it’s vital that you take responsibility for your welfare here and address the subject openly and honestly. Help is there when you ask.

DRUG USE
It isn’t advisable to take any form of recreational or muscle-enhancing drugs during cancer treatment and for a period of time afterwards. As well as compromising your health, you could also risk the additional pressure of coming into conflict with the law. If you find it difficult to steer clear, or have any questions, talk to your care team. They can provide you with help in a non-judgmental and understanding way. Your honesty will help them to help you.

TATTOOING & PIERCING

Cancer treatments can put a strain on your immune system. As a result, your risk of picking up an infection is increased, and healing can be compromised. As both tattooing and body piercing involves puncturing the skin, it’s best to wait until treatment is complete and consider it a reward for everything you’ve been through. As well as putting your health first, it can only make the experience more meaningful.

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

During cancer treatment, some people turn to complementary therapies as a way of dealing with side effects such as nausea and fatigue. Complementary therapies range from acupuncture to aromatherapy, yoga and herbal medicine. It’s important to check in with your care team if you’re considering using a complementary therapy alongside your conventional treatment programme. While they should support you if it helps you to feel better, it’s important to stress that research into the effectiveness of complementary therapies is ongoing. In addition, it shouldn’t be confused with alternative therapies, which often claim to treat cancer without conventional medicine but has no scientific basis.

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

http://cancerhaircare.com/

http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/