skincare and chemo??

Goldie · May 2008

Goldie · May 2008

Hi all,

I started my first of 4x of AC next Friday. My oncotype score was 18 right on the border of low-risk and intermediate-risk, so the doctor let me decide if I wanted to do it or not. I opted to. It gains me an extra 3.1% in my favor against recurrence so I'm doing all I can.

I know my hair will go and I've already got my hair piece ready to go.

My question for those who have gone through this protocol is what effects were there on your facial skin? I've always had a pretty strict skincare routine and not sure how it will respond once treatment begins.

Does it get really dry and/or sensitive? Should I just use mild cleanser and cream?

I'd appreciate any insights. I wouldn't want to keep putting any products on my face that might aggravate my face once the treatment begins!

Thank you,

Goldie

smithlme · May 2008

Goldie,

I have always had oily skin, so while going through treatment I had "normal" skin. I used cleansers, lotions and night creams for sensitive skin. Oil of Olay was my brand of choice. Stay away from anything with fragrance as the smell may upset your stomach. And chap stick...I lived with it on all the time. Best of luck next Friday...

Linda

snowyday · May 2008

My skin got really dry, I used Nivea the thick cream in summer alot. Aquaphor on the rest of my body and under my wig if I wore one I would put on Gold bond cream for the itching. Drink lots of water it will help and pay special attention to your feet and hands they seem to get hit the worst. Also since it's summer be sure to use a good sun screen so you don't burn and dry your skin out better. Never shower or wash your face with hot water use warm water, hot can feel good but dries it out. I also used baby wash and baby oil after showering. Good luck Oh yeah go to a Look Good Feel Good workshop they have great tips and give out stuff for free that you can try.

HeatherBLocklear · May 2008

Hi all,

I find Nivea or prescription Derma Cerin are best for the body. I slather my face and neck with Eterna 27 with Progenitin -- it's really rich and helps somewhat to alleviate the drying effects of chemo.

But, yes, it sure does dry you out. I've always had nice skin, but currently look like a raisin in the sun (sorry, my training took over for a minute. Also couldn't resist a pun). Drink lots and lots of water, and don't forget to shampoo and condition your bald pate to avoid cradle cap (!).

I'm hoping and praying my normal skin will come back once this horror is done.

Annie

suemed8749 · May 2008

Just got back from Dillard's - switched to the extra dry formula of the Clinique cream I use. It was literally 2% humidity here in Phx. the other day - I'm not sure I could consume enough h2o to counteract the effects of that and chemo.

Okay, I've lost about 20 lbs since dx - this is a good thing, this is a good thing . . . that's all I can think of!

Sue

NancyD · May 2008

I don't know if it was a direct effect of the chemo or just my nervous state, but I broke out in zits. I usually have oily skin, so that wasn't a big surprize, but the number of them (lots) and the fact that they were just little surface whiteheads was annoying. First my face, then on my bald head!

All cleared up now. I hope it was just a stress reaction.

katbur2 · May 2008

I've been slightly oily most of my life, wound up normal during chemo. The skin on the rest of my body got dry as dust so make sure you take care of it.

skincare and chemo??

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