Effects Of Chemotherapy On Your Skin And Nails
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer by administering anticancer drugs and chemicals
that destroy fast-growing cancer cells. In the process of fighting cancer, these drugs also
affect other fast-growing cells in our body, which are otherwise healthy. The cells present
in the blood, the digestive tract, skin and nails are also affected by these drugs, as these
are also fast-growing and rapidly dividing. So when undergoing treatment for chemotherapy
one has to take measures to prevent these side effects. The following is a brief discussion
about the effects of chemotherapy on your skin and nails:
(a) Nails:
Your nails may become yellow or darkened. They may become brittle or cracked. Their growth
may become slower and may develop white or black bands across them. You should keep the nails trimmed to avoid breakage. To protect the nails, you may wear gloves while doing household work. You can use various nail strengthening products and may use nail varnish to
hide the marks.
(b) Skin:
Chemotherapy may cause several problems to the skin such as dryness, itching, rashes etc.
Sometimes it may cause acne. Sometimes it may darken the skin. Certain drugs which are
administered intravenously (IV), may cause the entire skin along the vain to darken. If these
drugs somehow leak out of the veins, they may cause serious damage to the skin. You may take
the following steps to avoid the side effects:
* Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Use a good sunblock cream. You can use
products like zinc oxide to protect from the sun.
* You can use a good anti-bacterial soap and water based moisturizer.
* For itchy skin, a good moisturizing cream may be used. But avoid using moisturizers on any area which has been treated with radiotherapy.
* Avoid any cosmetics such as perfumes or after shave lotions, which may contain alcohol.