One of the most dreaded days in any person’s life is the day that they are told that they have cancer. Just the very mention of the word causes people to bristle and plans to change. But while cancer is a terrible disease, it does not mean an automatic death sentence. In fact, with so much new research flooding the market, cancer patients are more likely than ever to become cancer survivors. When it comes to cancer treatment, there are few options that will not result in some kind of side effect. For most people, radiation is the best and most accessible treatment for this disease. However, due to the harmful effects of radiation there are many serious issues that you should understand before moving forward. Here are a few quick tips for the cancer patient and the cancer survivor that is dealing with blistered, pink, irritated, and damaged skin.
The first thing to keep in mind is that your skin is an organ. It moves, lives, breathes, and functions just like your other organs. In fact, your skin is your first line of defense when it comes to airborne allergens and toxins. If your skin is not healthy there is a good possibility that you will not be healthy. After cancer treatment it is important to maintain your skin by keeping it both clean and dry. When radiation is put into your body it must find a way out. When this radiation comes out it will cause painful burns on your skin. That is why you should keep your skin in good condition. While it may be painful to clean the afflicted areas it is important for your long-term health. It is also important to keep your skin dry. That does not mean you avoid lotions or softeners, just the opposite. This means that you should avoid soaking in baths and tubs for extended periods of time.
Another key to skin care after cancer treatment is to use a hypoallergenic skin lotion and/or body wash. This will help to keep your skin moisturized as well as maintaining a layer of protection from the harmful elements that may surround you. Cancer treatment is a serious medical ordeal and you should do all that is within your power to maintain your skin. Proper skin care will not only increase your ability to fight off infection as well as pain, but it will also give you something to be proud of. Maintaining a youthful glow, especially in the midst of fighting cancer, is something that can help your spirits.
While there are many battles that lie ahead of the cancer patient, skin care should not be a major obstacle. Do all that you can now and your cancer treatment will go much smoother.
