I had a neck dissection last October and have recently noticed changes. My scalp is very dry and scaly and hair is thinner. Could you advise me as to which products might help. I also have to use Vaseline on my bottom lip due to facial palsy and my eye needs gel daily now. All on the right side where the op was. My diet is good so it’s not that. Lots of water.
Hi Linda
Thank you for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support. My name is Gemma, one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
Sorry to hear you are experiencing dry and scaly skin post your neck dissection last October.
Here on Ask a Nurse we are unable to access your medical notes or prescribe, so we would always advise contacting your clinical team or specialist nurse in the first instance, they will be able to review the area on your scalp and prescribe specific emollients or creams to reduce the scale build up and encourage healing.
It does take time for the skin and new scars to heal, and they will be able to support this process.
You may also find the look good feel better page a useful read.
We also have our Online Forums, it can be useful to find a group that is relevant to your experience.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel welcome to get back in touch with us by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also visit our Online Community, where you can talk to others who have been affected by cancer.
Best wishes,
Gemma
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Macmillan Support Line
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