Post-treatment beauty tips for cancer survivors
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/28/2009 4:22 PM
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(From Metro Magazine's article entitled "After the storm")
Cancer survivors are encouraged to return to their original beauty routines after treatment, but many complain that due to the changes in their bodies after undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, their old products are no longer as effective.
According to oncologist Dr. Diana Cua, cancer survivors “have different reactions to chemotherapeutic drug agents. Some patients notice graying or drying on their skin, while others notice improvements in their complexion, like reduced blemishes.”
Although chemotherapy has unpredictable results that vary from person to person, doctors advise going back to your routine after treatments have been completed. “It is prudent to avoid exotic agents that may irritate skin while going through treatment,” says Cua. A skin disorder called folliculitis may develop if the skin reacts badly to external products while on treatment. Symptoms of this include itchy skin, rashes and pimples.
Patients going through chemotherapy are also advised against eating raw food. The low white blood cell count lowers their immune system; bacteria found in uncooked food could also cause infections. At the worst, the patient may become critically ill and will require intravenous antibiotics in order to recover.
Weight issues also depend on each person. While some gain weight from chemo, others drop pounds. Dietary advice is given accordingly, and women who have gained weight are allowed to diet and exercise, while women who lost weight are recommended to eat more. For those wondering when their hair will start growing back, Dr. Cua says that they should start seeing some growth a month after conclusion of chemotherapy. “There is no evidence that applying certain hair or scalp products will speed up hair growth,” she warns. “Generally, hair grows naturally at the rate of half an inch per month.” -- ERICA PAREDES/Metro Magazine October 2008 issue
