How to Prevent and Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy

Dry skin is often a side effect of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs like 5-FU can cause the skin to become dry, cracked and peeling. Dry skin can also occur as a result of dehydration, weather conditions, and other medications.

Dry skin occurs when the layers of the skin lose essential oils and moisture.
How to Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy
There are several things a patient and caregiver can do to help prevent and manage dry skin at home:

* Recognize when skin is dry. Dry skin appears rough and flaky. It may also become cracked and peeled. Skin may feel tight and become itchy.

* Keep hydrated Drink plenty if of fluids to keep body well hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of skin dryness.

* Avoid extreme weather conditions. Try to stay out of extreme weather, like severe cold and hot weather. Dry and windy conditions can aggravate dry skin.

* Avoid personal products containing perfumes and scents. The chemicals in perfumed products like soaps, cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions, and body sprays can irritate skin, causing it to become dry. They also can worsen already dry skin.

Use products labeled perfume-free, allergen-free, or "for sensitive skin." Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter product like Cetaphil to cleanse skin.

* Take care in drying yourself after bathing. Instead of rubbing yourself with a towel, allow body to dry naturally or pat dry carefully. The friction of rubbing a towel over wet skin can cause and irritate dry skin. Do not use a blow dryer to dry yourself. This can add to dryness.

Baby oil can also be applied to wet skin before drying skin. Baby oil is a excellent skin moisturizer. It also can be very slippery, so be careful when stepping out of the tub or shower.

* Wash clothes in a mild detergent. Some detergents contain perfumes which can irritate skin. Choose laundry detergents that are free of perfumes, scents and allergens. They may be labeled as "allergen free," "unscented" or as as a "clear" liquid. Detergents that are marketed for babies also may be mild enough for dry skin, but are often more expensive.

* Protect hands when doing household/outdoor chores.When doing chores like cleaning, washing dishes, or gardening, protect hands by wearing rubber gloves. The gloves will protect hands from chemicals in household cleansers and outdoor lawn/gardening products.

When Skin Becomes Extremely Dry and Painful
If skin becomes extremely dry and painful, talk to your doctor. Signs of extreme dryness includes painful, cracked skin that may or may not bleed, intense itching, redness and inflammation. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a topical cream or lotion. He or she may also refer you to a dermatologist to aid with care of the skin.

The Sexual Side Effects of Chemotherapy

When people hear of chemotherapy side effects, they automatically think of things like hair loss and nausea -- not sex. Unfortunately, chemotherapy can affect your sex life during treatment, both directly and indirectly.

You may think that sex will be the last thing on your mind while going through treatment, but it shouldn't be. Intimacy can often bring higher levels of self esteem and make you feel closer to your partner during the rough times of treatment. Treatment often brings feelings of being unattractive because of hair loss and changes in weight (either gain or loss). Many psychologists agree that maintaining a normal sex life has many advantages while going through cancer treatment.

Is Sex Allowed While Going Through Chemotherapy?

Discussing with your doctor whether sex is safe is essential before resuming or maintaining a sexual relationship with your partner. For most people undergoing chemotherapy treatment, sex is medically permissible, even encouraged by their doctors. However, in some cases, sex can do more harm than good.

People undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of developing neutropenia, a side effect of treatment that results in a low white blood cell count. These white blood cells are vital for fighting off infections in the body. When the count is low, your body has less resistance to infection, which can lead to prolonged illness and possible hospital stays. Sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, are all pathways for infection to enter the body.