Dry mouth and sun cream

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Hi

2 issues not related.

I am 3 .5 years clear from an original diagnosis of stage 4  tonsil, neck lymph node and a spread to the hip. I had chemo and radiotherapy. I have a very dry mouth for which I chen gum all day but at night I have real problems. I use a variety of gels and sprays I also use micropore tape to tape my lips together which is strange but helps. However, I have to get up 3 or 4 times a night minimum to swill my mouth out and reapply as I find the gels, sprays either create a horrible gunk in my mouth or dry out. This is exhausting and I'm often really tired by the morning. Any advice, suggestions will be gratefully received.

The 2nd issue is, have you any suggestions for a 50+ or more sun protection? The skin on my face is suffering I don't think this is related to my treatment but obviously I don't want to do damage to my neck. Again any help appreciated.

  • Have you tried xylimelts at night? 
    Cant help with sunscreen as I tend to use whatever is cheapest. 

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

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  • Yep I do use them. Again I find I have to swill out the liquid they leave and they seem to upset my guts. Thanks for the reply.

  • Aldi and Lidl factor 50 spray....cheap and very effective

    Michael

  • Dry mouth - Have you tried acupuncture?

    I finished treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer in late June. I think it’s helping me to combat my side effects. I also have Chinese medicine to complement my treatment.

    Another thing you could try is:

    Biotne Dry Mouth Mouthwash, Moisturising & Alcohol Free Oral Wash, 500 ml - I am not sure it’s helping me that much but it has quite a few good reviews on Amazon.

    My Chinese doctor suggested that I could chew American Ginseng. I haven’t got that yet so I don’t know how effective it will be.

  • Yep I do use them. Again I find I have to swill out the liquid they leave and they seem to upset my guts. Thanks for the reply.

    Ah, yes. Some people are sensitive to xylitol

    I'll second VVN's suggestion re acupuncture. It did help me. I have a couple of entries in my blog about it

    Dani 

    Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019

    I BLOGGED MY TREATMENT 

    Macmillan Support Line -  0808 808 00 00 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

    Community Champion badge
  • Thank you for your sugestion, acupuncture has been mentioned to me I'll investigate. Not tried the mouth wash I'll also look into that , Thank you.

  • Thank you for the reply. I'll look into acupuncture. 

  • Before I had radiotherapy, I used NIVEA Sun Sensitive Immediate Protect Allergy Sun Spray SPF50+ (200 ml) on my face, neck, and body. I think it was the best product I’ve used, especially as I also have eczema. If I was wearing makeup, I’d use IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50 (32 ml) instead.

    After radiotherapy, I started looking for the best sunscreen for my face and neck because I’m still healing from burns and hyperpigmentation. From what I found, a lot of sunscreens contain Alcohol Denat, which can cause redness and irritation, not ideal when your skin is already sensitive.

    Now I use Dr V INZINCABLE SPF50 for my face and neck. It doesn’t contain Alcohol Denat, and even though it’s quite pricey, I think it works well for me.

    I also use MOOGOO Udder Cream to moisturise my face and neck.

    Hope this helps.

  • Thank you. That's useful info. I am concerned that some sun protection isn't very good and I'm trying to get recommendations as I go out everyday walking and I'm finding my face and neck are suffering despite using a suncream, so thanks I'll check out your suggestion.