Cosmetic Help for Cancer Patients : Part 2

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 2)

Chemotherapy Dries Skin

Chemotherapy is easier on the skin than on the hair. Even so, whatever a person's skin type, chemotherapy will make skin drier because the drugs interfere with oil and sweat glands. Keeping skin as moist as possible during treatment is important to keep it looking young and healthy. Moisture can also prevent cracking and chapping, which can lead to infection in the cancer patient, whose immune system is suppressed.

Cancer patients are advised never to pull, tug or scrub the face too hard. Overzealous cleansing can strip away the remaining natural oils. Soap-free face cleansers that gently cleanse makeup and oil without drying skin are preferable. Safai recommends using an antimicrobial soap, however, to effectively clean areas like the armpits and genitals, which are prone to infection.

Moisturizing day and night can slow down the skin's loss of moisture by leaving behind a filmy deposit of oil. The oil not only helps retard moisture evaporation, but also makes the surface of the skin softer and more pliable. This may be especially important for hands and soles of the feet, which may become sore and blistered. Rubber gloves should be used when doing household chores.

Cancer patients are advised to moisturize with products containing sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 because people undergoing chemotherapy may be more sensitive to harmful ultraviolet rays. (For more on sunscreens, see "Cool Tips for Summer Safety" in the June 1992 FDA Consumer and "No Safe Tan" in the May 1991 FDA Consumer.)

Dry, chapped lips can be helped with nonpigmented lip balms or petrolatum-based products, according to Harley Haynes, M.D., a dermatologist with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He recommends using lipstick only when the lips are in good condition. Chemotherapy may also affect the nails, retarding their growth and, in many cases, causing them to become thin and brittle and develop horizontal grooves.

It's not a good idea to cover the nails with acrylics or other types of wraps, says Haynes, since these materials can trap bacteria that may cause infection. Instead, the nails can be clipped short and moisturized with lotions. A light-color nail polish will camouflage any nail imperfections. But to prevent nails from drying out, only non-acetone-based nail polish remover should be used.

Cancer patients who have professional manicures should bring their own implements to guard against infection. Cuticles should be pushed back rather than cut.

Skin Reactions to Radiation

Radiation treatment, unlike chemotherapy, affects only the skin that is irradiated or close to the point of irradiation. Its most common effect is a brief, intense sunburn-like reaction that causes blistering, says Alan Lorincz, M.D., professor of dermatology, University of Chicago, Pritzer School of Medicine.

Sometimes, however, a chronic skin condition may occur in which the treated skin thins and loses elasticity and may become lighter or darker. This skin needs to be treated especially gently with emollients and sunscreen products with a high sun protection factor. It can be expected to be more susceptible than the rest of the person's skin to chronic irritation and breakdown.

During chemotherapy and radiation treatment skin will, in general, become more sensitive to allergens or irritants. So cancer patients are advised not to share any of their hygiene products with anyone else and not to use old products that have changed in appearance, odor or texture.

Not a Time to Experiment

In general, it's not a good time to experiment with new brands of products, unless products usually used become irritating. Some cancer patients, however, want to experiment with cosmetics to try to camouflage certain facial effects of cancer treatment, such as skin discolorations, blotchiness, dark circles under the eyes, or loss of eyebrows and lashes. Experts advise trying out only one product at a time for several days before starting a second new product.

After taking the necessary precautions (see accompanying article), cancer patients will find that cosmetics can be important tools, says Rita Davies, a volunteer cosmetologist with the American Cancer Society.

Foundation and concealer are good for evening out skin tone. Eye crayons applied in a feathery motion can give the appearance of lashes, and brow powders can create natural-looking eyebrows. Mascara that has a wand with a small comb can help give body to remaining eyelashes.

Cosmetics can give a lift not only to the face, but to a cancer patient's outlook on life. As Rowland says, "I think we underestimate the impact of outward appearances. If we put on a costume we feel differently about ourselves. If we put on special clothes we feel differently about ourselves. Similarly, cosmetics are a way to fortify the self during chemotherapy or radiation."

Cheryl Platzman Weinstock is a freelance writer in Long Island, N.Y. Shopping for Cosmetics

Though cosmetics generally have a lengthy safety record, this does not mean that a consumer should assume that the products they're using are absolutely free from risk, says John Bailey, Ph.D., of FDA's division of colors and cosmetics technology. He reminds shoppers that the law does not require pre-market approval of cosmetic products by the agency, although "untested" products must be labeled as such.

Individual cosmetic companies are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for use by the consumer and have a great deal of freedom in how they formulate their products.

When purchasing cosmetics, he says, it is very important to read the label for a description of the product, including its ingredients, and any warning statements about the use of the product. Besides reading the product label, Bailey advises consumers to exercise good judgment in purchasing and using cosmetic products. For example, old products, or products that are inadequately preserved, may become contaminated with microorganisms. Never purchase a product that doesn't look or smell right and don't share cosmetics with other people or "wet" products with saliva.

Persons undergoing medical treatment, such as chemotherapy, should consult their physicians if they have experienced allergic reactions to cosmetics in the past, or if they notice any unusual reaction after use.

About the Author

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