August 28, 2024

Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments

Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Cancer treatments can have different side effects when it comes to our hair and skin. Let’s start with our skin, shall we? Certain cancer therapies can cause skin to become dry. They can also cause a skin rash and spots that look like acne. You may notice that your skin is more sensitive. It may even feel itchy. Certain types of cancer treatment can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. Other types of cancer treatments can change the skin of your hands and feet so they appear red and feel sore. Due to skin changes you may find that your veins become more visible. Additionally they may start to look broke. (1)

In addition to being dry your skin may become rough and flaky. This dry skin may be itchy which can cause you to feel anxious and even restless. As you scratch the skin it can become damaged leading to sores and even an increased risk of infection. In addition to making your skin red other color changes that can occur include yellow (due to changes in your liver), blue (due to breathing troubles), and bruised (due to blood disorders). Depending on the treatment you are receiving you may be bed bound or even bound to a wheelchair. This can increase the risk of bed sores. (2) Certain types of cancer can directly affect your skin. For example breast cancer can change the skin on the surface of the breast so that it starts to looks swollen and red/purple. The skin changes can also make the skin of the affected breast look similar to an orange peel. (3)

In addition to affecting to your skin cancer treatments can affect your nails. Cancer treatments can cause your nails to become loose or even fall out. There may be ridges or white/dark lines on the nails. These changes can occur on both the fingers and toes. (1)

Hair loss is a well-known side effect to different cancer treatments. This hair loss includes not just the hair on your head but also the hair on your body. Approximately 2-6 months after treatment is finished you will notice your hair begin to grow back. As the hair grows back you may notice it is slightly different. For example it may become more straight or curly. It may even be a different color. Depending on the type of treatment you may notice that the hair that grows back is thinner than before. In some cases hair on the body that received direct intense treatment may not grow back. (4)

What can you do if you experience these changes?

During treatment:

To help protect your skin it is important to cover up properly in the sun. It can also be a good idea to avoid the parts of the day when the sunshine is strongest.
When you shower it is best to use medium warm water instead of hot water. Also it is advised to use unperfumed cleansers on your skin.
It is also important to moisture your skin and cuticles regularly. This includes the skin on your lips.
For your nails it is advised to try to avoid using false nails as they can increase the risk of infection. (1)

After treatment:

Collagen is one of the building blocks for our hair, skin and nails. (5) Please see Invite’s Collagen Hx, Collagex HA and Beauty Collagen Gummy.
Biotin has been found to improve hair and nail growth. (6) Please see Invite’s Hair, Skin and Nails and our Hair Enhance.
Topical vitamin C has been found to help with skin discolorations. (7) Please see Invite’s Vitamin C products as well as the Vitamin C facial serum!
Silica is an important mineral that helps produce collagen. (8) Please see Invite’s silica, Hair, Skin and Nails formula as well as our Bone Powder.