My sister in law is 4 (out of 12) fortnightly chemo sessions in for bowel cancer. She is really struggling to cope with thin, sore and cracked skin on her fingertips. Can you suggest any balms or creams to help. And do you know a good place to buy thin cotton gloves that she could wear to protect her fingertips.
thank you.
Hi RosiePlus,
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is David, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
Glad to hear your sister-in-law is making good progress through her course of chemotherapy for bowel cancer.
However, I am sorry to hear your sister-in-law is struggling to cope with the sore and cracked skin on her fingertips as a result of her chemotherapy regime.
Coping with side effects of cancer treatment can be difficult for anyone but, the rule of thumb is good communication with the healthcare team looking after you.
We therefore advise your sister-and-law contacts either her Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or, the Chemotherapy Unit to report this symptom so they can physically assess and manage appropriately.
Cracked skin can be an easy access point for infection, which can be dangerous during chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, do not delay contacting the healthcare team.
As a charity, we are unable to recommend specific products. Your team are best placed to prescribe effective preparations such as udderly smooth and could also source or supply appropriate gloves on prescription.
Your sister-in-law could also try looking at the Bowel Cancer UK forum which is also a good source of information and support.
Such forums sometimes report anecdotal evidence of people trying products such as O’Keefe’s Working Hands or Optima Snowfire stick.
So just to be clear we advise your sister-in-law contacts her team in the first instance before trying any of these products.
If there is anything else we can help you with please feel free to get back in touch.
Best wishes
David, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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