Hair and Skin Care and Chemotherapy

Hi Fiona for my hair i washed it 1xweek and using baby shampoo.I was using cold cap but fell out anyway.Now its growing back while still I am on chemo - Taxol.

For skin I was using E45 lotion and i had a rash too for that I was using Epimax cream you can buy it from any pharmacies but I got an advice from my GP before I got it prescribed.

Janet

Fiona068....hi,

I was very lucky in my unit as they arrange for a beautician to visit during everyone's first session. She was extremely helpful and I did follow a lot of her advice with plenty of success. I still follow some of things today....five years on.

Firstly hair......I expected to lose mine ( which I did after 14 days) but she suggested a mild, paraben free shampoo for before and when it regrew. Less easy to buy in the supermarkets in 2015 but everywhere now. I still use Timotei  Pure. As I expected to lose my hair she recommended an almond oil or argan oil to rub in the scalp to prevent dryness. I did that too. I found bamboo caps were brilliant as a natural fibre...warm in winter, cool in summer. I bought three base colours and used very inexpensive patterned headbands to decorate them and hold them in place. I made sure I had them ready for the day my head needing shaving because it made looking in the mirror less drastic until I  got used to it. My beautician did not recommend baby products especially the shampoo because it contains a product( sorry after 5 years I forget which) that new born babies need on their scalps but which isn't ideal for chemo patients.

Secondly skin.....again she recommended paraben free for the shower...Dove moisteriser is good.....oil on scalp, elbows, knees. Any simple moisturiser that doesn't have perfumes for a body lotion. Avoiding perfumes is better for skin she said. Use an aluminium free deodorant.

Thirdly nails....she recommended Evonail from Day 1. I did use it for about eight months and never lost a nail . I sent my OH a text that first morning and it was waiting for me when I got home so I felt I should use it. It could have been cooincidence but actually 2 coates a day for six days, remove with acetone free remover on 7th, start again on next day, is not really too difficult if it prevents the painful process of blackening and losing nails. I did my toe nails too. I may have missed a few days during each cycle as I was quite sick at the start of each dose but obviously I managed enough. 

I hope some of those things help. I still only use paraben and aluminium free products as again the advice is it might help prevent cancer reoccurring . It may not....but if you don't try....I felt I would never know and I might regret not using them. So far so good.

I hope the chemo goes well. If you think I might be able to help with any other tips please don't hesitate to ask.

Love Karen

Thank you Karen ️, that’s really helpful to know, I have ordered the look good/feel good DVD to see if they have got any tips/advice! I am hoping that the cold cap will keep me some hair but I have bought a few soft caps...some more glam than others! Thanks for your support! Fxx

Thanks Janet ️, I must try the Epimax cream and see if that helps! Thank you for your support, Fxx

Hi Fiona for me the Epimax is the best cream.The rashes dissapeared and because I am still on chemo I am using it as precaution and have no issues with my skin.

Janet