It is often thought that skin ailments are nothing to concern one about. This is very wrong as your skin – our biggest organ - is often the mirror of physical and even mental illness. For e.g. – people suffering from aids, lupus, kidney- or liver disease will show more severe skin reactions due to allergies during treatments. People suffering from anxiety will often note that skin conditions get worse during more intense spells. When receiving cancer therapy – one’s skin can also suffer.

Chemotherapy destroys all cells – and rapid growing cells suffer first. Your skin consists of rapid growing cells. During radiation therapy, the skin area where the beams penetrate will most definitely also suffer. Both therapies interfere with the skin’s oil glands and sweat glands. During chemotherapy you can expect: allergic rashes; dry sensitive skin; red, flaky and swollen soles and palms; hyper pigmentation (a photo toxin reaction turning the skin brown or grey); and sensitivity to light. With radiation: allergic rashes; dry; flaky; swollen; itchy; red; tight and peeling skin could occur. The problem is dehydration – and only fluids can aid in this.

Firstly – up on your fluid intake, but keep it under 3liters per day. Remember – caffeine does not count as fluid intake! In addition to this take Vitamin E and Vitamin C – as they both prevent moisture loss. External skin treatment should take place prior to, during, and after treatments. The earlier you start the less severe your skin reactions will be. The key is to keep your skin hydrated/moist. Use creams rich in hydro elements. Those are the creams that get rapidly absorbed into the skin to work on the inner layers. After applying such a lotion, one can add a barrier cream – something greasy/oily to lock in the moisture. Remember – creams and lotions penetrate, and ointments stay on the surface as a barrier. Look for products containing lanolin, petroleum, silicone, body butters and mineral oils – these all lock in moisture. Using baby oils or vitamin E oils after a bath or shower is also a great help.

When bathing or showering – keep it short and lukewarm. Hot water dehydrates the skin, and getting wrinkly fingers also indicates dehydration. Use white soaps that are perfume free, with added moisture. Stay away from soap free and/or antibacterial bars! Soaps like Dove, Neutrogena, Aveena and Basis are all good choices. Another good choice would be a moisturising shower gel. Never use bubble bath and always pat yourself dry – no rubbing. Never share soaps and towels as that is a sure way of sharing bacteria too! This can lead to more severe skin irritations and even infections.

Shaving (men and woman) should be restricted when possible (e.g. weekends and holidays) to give the skin a rest. Change blades often as there is always a bacterial risk involved. Try to get hold of non-metallic deodorants and stay away from everyday use of perfumes. Try essential oils like lavender or rose. Wear cotton more often as less skin irritations and/or sweating will occur. Stay out of the sun and even other harsh weather conditions like extreme cold or wind.

For dry lips try products containing aloe, Shea butter or tea tree oil. For eyes – green tea, cucumber and chamomile products are beneficial. Change your detergents to those used on baby clothing and make sure clothing gets rinsed properly. When working with household chemicals, wear thin cotton gloves under vinyl or rubber gloves. Although – best would be to stay away from these products if at all possible.

Inform your doctor if your skin condition becomes severe. You might be allergic to the treatment or something else, and your doctor must be made aware of this. In other severe cases a corticosteroid cream might be prescribed. The good news is that these uncomfortable skin conditions should disappear no more than 12 weeks after treatment ends. If not – contact your doctor.