Skin changes are a common occurrence that happens due to cancer treatments. They are otherwise known as radiation dermatitis. The skin that is exposed to radiation should be treated with extra care as they become red and sensitive, similar to that of a sunburn. In addition to these changes, it can also cause hair loss in a particular region. The instruction for caring for patients having skin conditions due to cancer treatment will be reviewed and cared for, based on the child’s skin. Some of the treatments followed are,
- The skin should be cleaned every day with warm water and a mild soap that is recommended by the healthcare team.
- Do not use lotions, deodorants, perfumes, or powders in areas where the child has received treatment. Do not use products containing alcohol or any sort of perfume.
- Do not put anything of extreme temperature on the skin, either hot or cold including heating pads or ice packs.
- Avoid exposure to the sun. If your child wishes to spend some time outdoors make sure they are wearing protective clothing and a hat to protect their skin. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 after treatment.
Changes in the skin due to Cancer Treatment:
Cancer treatment does cause skin changes as a side effect. The side effects caused due to radiation therapy may be quite severe when compared to those caused due to chemotherapy. Your child’s healthcare team should be notified immediately if there are any changes happening in the skin and treatment should be given promptly.
What causes skin changes during cancer treatments?
- The major cause of this is due to the child receiving radiation therapy. When a part of the body is exposed to radiation that part of the skin becomes dry, itchy and turns red or darker and feels like peeling off. It is similar to that of a sunburn but only more swollen and puffy. Sores may also develop that are painful, infected, and wet. This response is known as a moist reaction.
- Now and then, chemotherapy can likewise make your skin become irritated, red and more obscure, or strip. A minor rash or a sun-related burn will be grown effectively because of photosensitivity. An encounter of this condition because of the progressions in level skin pigmentation. It additionally influences the nails. They become dull and broken and the fingernail skin will sting harshly. Assuming that the youngster has gotten radiation treatment before, the region where the skin was presented to treatment can irritate, become red, and hurt agonizingly. Known as radiation recall, it is an indication of an unfavorably susceptible response to chemotherapy that incorporates unexpected rash, hives, and a consuming sensation.
- Immature microorganism transfers are likewise one of the justification for one to foster a condition called unite versus-have illness (GVHD) that causes skin issues like rashes, boasts, or thickening of the skin.
- Immunotherapy can also cause severe and extensive rash conditions where the skin becomes extremely dry and blisters.
- Targeted therapy also causes this. While going through this treatment, it is profoundly essential to let your PCP know that you have fostered a rash before the designated treatment reaches a conclusion.
Talking to your child’s healthcare specialist:
As a caretaker, you might be wondering what skin changes your child might experience and what type of treatment is causing them. The ideas for managing the symptoms at home and identification of the severe symptoms are also important and that is the reason you should talk to their medical specialist regularly and inform them of any changes that might be happening to your child.
Medical attention should be given if the child is experiencing severe blistering, and painful rashes while receiving radiation therapy. Likewise, you really want to tell them of rashes that include the eyes or a mucous film like your mouth.
The following are the symptoms that you need to look out for,
Skin changes:
- acne (acneiform eruptions)
- burning or skin pain
- blisters
- hypopigmentation (patches of skin that are lighter)
- keratoacanthoma (dome-shaped skin growth)
- hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)
- dry skin
- hyperpigmentation (darker areas of skin, tongue, and joints)
- peeling, flakey, or crusty skin
- Rash
- red or darkened skin
- photosensitivity (sunburn easily)
- bed sores (pressure ulcers)
- itchy skin (pruritus)
- swollen skin
- sores that are painful
What are the ways and methods that can be employed to manage skin changes during treatment:
You really want to converse with your kid’s medical care group about whether side effects can be overseen at home. The treatment methods for the symptoms may vary based on the kind of treatment that your child is receiving. Some of the following care methods are,
Using physician-recommended products:
The child’s skin should be cleaned only with gentle soaps. In the event that you don’t know which one is correct, request that their attendant suggest explicit skin items. In the event that you are getting radiation treatment, request skin items, for example, an antiperspirant that you ought to keep away from before you start the therapy.
Infection prevention:
One of the side effects of radiation therapy is that the area where the skin has been exposed to treatment will cause peeling, wetness, and pain. It often occurs in the folds of the skin, especially around the eyes, or bottom. Keep the uncovered region spotless and dry to stay away from disease. The cleaning technique will be directed by your medical attendant who recommends extraordinary dressings that should be applied to the area and anti-infection agents.
Skin saturated:
Utilize just prescribed creams or salves to keep your skin from becoming dry further and irritated. Assuming the skin is aggravated very the region can turn out to be incredibly contaminated. In the event that there are particular creams or salves for seriously dry, bothersome, or difficult skin, use them according to the guidance of your primary care physician.
Skin protection:
It is obligatory to utilize sunscreens and sun-defensive lip salves. Continuously wear a baggy, long-sleeved shirt and jeans to keep away from openness to the sun. On the off chance that you are going through radiation treatment don’t utilize warming cushions, wraps on the contaminated region, and ice packs. Try not to shave routinely and assuming you are doing as such, utilize an electric razor or quit shaving your skin in the event that it is delicate and sore.
Do not irritate your skin:
Avoid scented products and products that have alcohol content in them as it might dry out your skin and cause irritation. Add colloidal oatmeal to your child’s bath if suggested by the nurse and I can geek reduce the feeling of itching. Do not shower for too long and use lukewarm water for that purpose. In order for the skin to remain moisturized, skin cream or ointment before drying your skin completely after showers. You can apply a cool washcloth or ice to dry and irritated skin.
Forestall or treat minor nail issues:
Treatment can likewise harm your nails. So keep them cut short to stay away from incidental tearing of the nails. Do not expose your skin directly to dishwashing liquids or detergents. Try not to uncover your skin straightforwardly with dishwashing fluids or cleansers. Wear gloves when you wash or clean the house. Try not to get nail trims or pedicures and don’t wear tight-fitting garments as well. You can request that your medical attendant prescribe items that can be utilized to treat your nail issues.
Counsel your primary care physician before you begin to do anything and find out about the treatment that can be one for your disturbing or excruciating skin rashes. Some types of skin problems require medical treatment while some can be treated by moderately effective topical creams. Pills can also be recommended for such conditions.
