Health Guide

Hair and skin care

Take good care of your skin while you have chemotherapy. Your skin may be a little more sensitive to the sun than normal, so protect yourself by avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, wearing a hat, shirt and sunglasses when out in the sun and using a good sunscreen (SPF 30+, Broad Spectrum).

The drugs may cause your skin to become dry or slightly discoloured. Rub in a little sorbolene or lanolin cream to relieve dry or itchy skin. Any rashes should always be reported to your doctor.

Your nails may grow more slowly and you may notice black discolouration or white ridges appearing across them. False nails or nail varnish can be used to disguise split and discoloured nails.

Hair loss or thinning can be caused by some drugs which temporarily damage the hair. Remember that many drugs do not cause hair loss, the degree of loss varies with the individual and it is not permanent. Hair will regrow either during treatment or after you have completed treatment.

• Look after your hair. Use gentle hair care products and avoid vigorous brushing or harsh treatments for your hair.
• If possible use a cotton, polyester or satin pillowcase. Nylon can irritate your scalp.
• Protect your head against sunburn or extreme cold.
• There are many ways of disguising hair loss and looking good. Some people find it comfortable to wear a hat or scarf, others prefer to wear a wig. Some financial assistance is available from the public hospitals and the private health funds to help purchase wigs.

Look Good.... Feel Better is a programme to help you counter-act the effects of physical changes in your appearance due to your treatment. In a two hour workshop you can learn to use make-up and hairstyling with wigs and other accessories as well as having a lot of fun. Contact The Cancer Council South Australia for further information.