Looking Good While Going Through Treatment

Looking Good While Going Through Treatment

Worrying about how you look while going through cancer treatment may seem insignificant compared to your concern about the outcome of what's happening, but taking care of your appearance boosts your self-confidence. That lets you regain a sense of personal control, which may help you feelhealthier.

Here are good ways for both men and women to deal with some of the physical tolls of cancer treatment:

Hair Loss

This side effect can be especially painful to bear because it's often culturally associated with unattractiveness or loss of self.

Some people lose their hair in treatment; others don't. Hair may start regrowing before treatment is over. Talk with your doctor about what's likely to happen on your regimen.
Plan ahead. Pick out a wig or toupee before treatment starts so the color matches your hair. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for it because your insurance may cover wig costs.
Don't damage the hair you have. Avoid using a hair dryer or electric curlers and don't color, perm, or straighten your hair right now.
Protect your scalp with sunblock, a hat, or a scarf.

Weight Loss or Gain

Have clothing altered to your current size, if possible.
Add better-fitting items to your wardrobe by going on a low-cost shopping spree at a consignment shop or thrift store (many hospitals have them on-site or nearby).
Follow your medical team's suggestions for dealing with weight change.

Skin Ailments

Soothe itching with calamine lotion, witch hazel, or baking soda baths.
Treat reddened skin with a gentle soap wash, then apply A&D ointment. Let air reach skin when possible, but protect it from cold and heat.
Wear loose, soft fabrics. Give sun protection with long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and SPF 15 (or higher) sunscreens.
Prevent cuts by using an electric razor.
Your treatment may make you more vulnerable to infection, so don't share creams, lotions, or other cosmetic products with anyone else.

Nail Problems

Chemotherapy may make nails brittle or discolored.

Keep nails short.
Don't try to remove stains or streaks by filing.
If you want to do anything to your cuticles, just push them back gently. Do not cut or remove.
Bring your own sterilized utensils to a nail salon. Request fresh soaking solution. Skip artificial nails.

In general, continue to care for your appearance the way you did before your diagnosis. If you wore makeup, use it when comfortable (but do not share products).

You may also want to focus on your personal care regimen to counteract the effects of treatment. Many hospitals and cancer centers offer "Look Good Feel Better" workshops and brochures. These are free programs from the American Cancer Society in conjunction with the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association. The programs do not promote any cosmetic products and are run by volunteers.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.

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