Special care
In order to maintain the best possible quality of life during cancer treatment, it is important to follow a special care regimen to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to delay and minimise possible side effects.
Read moreShow lessGeneral care during cancer treatment includes:
- Hydration: It is important to stay well-hydrated to help protect healthy tissues and facilitate the elimination of toxins.
- Eating healthily: A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help strengthen the immune system and promote recovery.
- Adequate rest: It is important to get enough rest to allow the body to recover and regenerate. Whenever possible, you should maintain an active lifestyle (minimise being sedentary).
- Skin care: Skin in the treated area may become more sensitive, red or irritated. The fundamental principles of skin care involve proper washing and moisturising with special products. Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area. Apply mild moisturising creams. Avoid using products that contain alcohol and/or perfumes.
It is essential to follow the instructions of your medical and nursing team and to contact them if you experience any side effects or have any doubts about the special care regimen you should follow during your oncological treatment.
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Preventing radiation dermatitis
Radiodermatitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to ionising radiation.
It is characterised by redness, xerosis, itching, and dry scaling, which can develop into moist scaling, with pain and bleeding in the treated area.
The degree of radiodermatitis and its appearance will depend on the patient's condition, the area irradiated, the treatment technique used (fractionation and total dose) and sequential and/or concomitant treatments (administering radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the same time).
How can you prevent radiodermatitis?
Adherence to a special skin care regime before, during and after radiotherapy is essential to prevent the appearance of signs of radiodermatitis.
It is important that you understand your self-care programme and follow it consistently on an ongoing basis.
- HYGIENE: Keep your skin clean during treatment. Wash with lukewarm water and use a specific soap-free bath gel (use a special synthetic detergent for daily hygiene). Do not use sponges. Dry your skin with a towel by patting it gently, not by rubbing it. Showers are better than baths.
- MOISTURISING: Keep your skin moisturised, clean and dry. Use special moisturising products recommended by your doctor and/or nurse. Apply moisturising body cream 2 or 3 times a day. Follow the instructions of your specialist.
- You can use deodorant without alcohol or aluminium salts. Do not use antiperspirants. Avoid colognes and/or lotions containing alcohol.
- You should also pay special attention to your scalp. Use special scalp hygiene products that do not contain soap (it's best to use a mild synthetic detergent shampoo for frequent use).
- If you receive radiotherapy, do not shave the irradiated area or shave with a razor. You can use an electric razor.
- If you feel an itching sensation, do not scratch it. Avoid friction. Anti-itch cosmetic products are available on the market.
- If necessary, shave with an electric razor, but do not shave too closely.
- Avoid the use of heating pads, hot water bottles or applying any other type of direct heat to the treated area.
- Protect your skin from the elements (sun, cold). Avoid exposing the irradiated area to direct sunlight. Always use an easy-to-apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher on the rest of your body. Repeat application every 2 hours. Wear a sunvisor or hat to protect yourself from the sun. Continue using sun protection after treatment.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of natural fibres (cotton). Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Do not apply any adhesive materials, e.g., plasters or adhesive patches, to the treated skin.
- During treatment, avoid bathing in salt water, swimming pools and/or rivers.
BREAST CARE
- HYGIENE: Keep your skin clean during treatment. Wash with lukewarm water and use a specific soap-free bath gel (use a special synthetic detergent for daily hygiene). Do not use sponges. Dry your skin with a towel by patting it gently, not by rubbing it. Showers are better than baths.
- MOISTURISING: Keep your skin moisturised, clean and dry. Use special moisturising products recommended by your doctor and/or nurse. Apply special products for treated skin containing TEX-OE with protective and regenerative properties 2 to 3 times a day.
- Apply a moisturising body cream 2 or 3 times a day. Follow the instructions of your specialist.
- Your bra should be made of cotton, be as comfortable as possible, and have wide straps and no underwiring.
- You can use (roll on or spray) deodorant without alcohol or aluminium salts. Do not use antiperspirants. Avoid perfumes and/or lotions containing alcohol. Do not shave your armpits with a razor, wax them, undergo laser treatment or use depilatory cream.
- Avoid perfumes and/or lotions containing alcohol.
- Do not shave your armpits with a razor, wax them, undergo laser treatment or use depilatory cream.
- If you feel an itching sensation, do not scratch it. Avoid friction. Anti-itch cosmetic products are available on the market.
- Avoid the use of heating pads, hot water bottles or applying any other type of direct heat to the treated area.
- Protect your skin from the elements (sun, cold). Avoid exposing the irradiated area to direct sunlight. Always use an easy-to-apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher and a light consistency on the rest of your body. Repeat application every 2 hours. Wear a sunvisor or hat to protect yourself from the sun. Continue using sun protection after treatment.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of natural fibres (cotton). Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Do not apply any adhesive materials, e.g., plasters or adhesive patches, to the treated skin.
- During treatment, avoid bathing in salt water, swimming pools and/or rivers.
To prevent irritation and alleviate the symptoms of wet peeling, you can use lotion or spray products containing Centella asiatica and/or rosehip.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you drink enough fluids and eat a healthy diet. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Read moreShow lessHead, neck and chest care
- HYGIENE: Keep your skin clean during treatment. Wash with lukewarm water and use special soap-free bath gel (use synthetic detergent for daily hygiene). Do not use sponges. Dry your skin with a towel by touching it gently, not by rubbing it. Showers are better than baths.
- Pay special attention to your scalp. Use special scalp hygiene products that do not contain soap (it's best to use mild and/or itch-relieving shampoo for frequent use).
- MOISTURISING: Keep your skin moisturised, clean and dry. Use special moisturising products recommended by your doctor and/or nurse. Apply special products for treated skin containing TEX-OE with protective and regenerative properties 2 to 3 times a day.
- You can use deodorant without alcohol or aluminium salts. Do not use antiperspirants. Avoid perfumes and/or lotions containing alcohol.
- If you receive radiotherapy, do not shave the irradiated area or shave with a razor. You can use an electric razor.
- If you have an itch, do not scratch it. Avoid friction. Anti-itch cosmetic products are available on the market.
- If necessary, shave with an electric razor, but do not shave too closely.
- It is important to practise good oral hygiene. Use a soft toothpaste, toothbrushes with soft bristles, and mouthwashes that prevent the possible occurrence of xerostomia and mucositis.
- Avoid the use of heating pads, hot water bottles and other types of direct heat on the treated area.
- Protect your skin from the elements (sun, cold). Avoid exposing the irradiated area to direct sunlight. Always use an easy-to-apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher and a light consistency on the rest of your body. Repeat application every 2 hours. Wear a sunvisor or hat to protect yourself from the sun. Continue using sun protection after treatment.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of natural fibres (cotton). Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Do not apply any adhesive materials, e.g., plasters or adhesive patches, to the treated skin.
- During treatment, avoid bathing in salt water, swimming pools and/or rivers.
To prevent irritation and alleviate the symptoms of wet peeling, you can use lotion or spray products containing Centella asiatica and/or rosehip.
Read moreShow lessOral mucositis
It is very important that you take measures to prevent oral mucositis for oncological treatments involving radiotherapy. Proper prevention has a decisive influence on how well you tolerate the therapy and quality of life during and after treatment.
- Proper oral hygiene is of crucial importance.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush after meals.
- Rinse with mouthwash to prevent the appearance of xerostomia or mucositis.
- Eat soft foods or mashed foods, preferably at room temperature.
- Drink water regularly in small amounts.
- Moisturise your lips well with a preventative, reparative photoprotective lip balm that will protect your lips in the event of exposure to sunlight.
Vaginal mucositis (brachytherapy)
Prevention of vaginal mucositis is important from the start of treatment in order to minimise any side effects.
Reduced lubrication and changes in the elasticity of the vagina are common.
Good prevention has an impact on how well you tolerate the therapy and your quality of life.
These tips will help you to alleviate the discomfort caused by them.
- The skin in the treated area should be clean and undamaged. Take showers instead of baths.
- Use a soap-free bath gel (a synthetic detergent) for daily hygiene.
- Do not use sponges. Dry your skin by patting it with a towel, not by rubbing it.
- Proper vaginal care should be practised to prevent local and sexual complications. Application of Sativa V-Tex may improve elasticity and lubrication.
Do not hesitate to consult your doctor and/or nurse, who can answer any questions you may have.
Read moreShow lessPerianal irritation
It is particularly important to avoid irritation of the perianal region in order to improve quality of life and comfort during treatment.
- Wash the perineum with water and a synthetic detergent cleansing agent after each bowel movement. Make sure the area is thoroughly dried.
- Do not use chemical and physical irritants (tampons, enemas, etc.).
- Wear cotton underwear (made of natural materials). Avoid tight-fitting clothing (wear boxer shorts rather than briefs).
To prevent irritation and alleviate the symptoms of wet peeling, you can use lotion or spray products containing Centella asiatica and/or rosehip.
Read moreShow lessProtect your skin
Solar radiation is divided into:
Visible light: Enables you to see colours.
Infrared radiation (IR): Takes the form of heat. It appears to be involved in photoaging and the development of skin cancer.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) The best-known type of radiation. It is divided into:
UVA: Causes tanning. It is related to long-term skin damage, such as wrinkles, and plays an important role in some types of cancer.
UVB: Causes sunburn. It directly damages the skin cell DNA and so is responsible for most skin cancers.
Read moreShow lessHow can you protect yourself from unwanted effects?
Above all, try to avoid exposure to the sun, especially between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. If you can't avoid exposure, follow these tips:
- Wear light clothing, preferably made of natural fibres. Wear darker colours, which absorb more UV radiation than lighter colours, stopping it before it can reach your skin.
- Wear a hat or cap.
- Wear glasses with lenses that meet quality standards to protect your eyes and face from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF50 or greater for UVA and UVB rays.
- And above all, always try to find shade (bear in mind that trees, umbrellas and awnings do not provide full protection from the sun's rays).
Nail care
- Be careful when cutting your nails. Always use clippers and carefully trim them short. Do not use cuticle removers (these can create wounds).
- Keep your nail plate well moisturised. Use moisturising products for the cuticle area that provide vitamins E and F, minerals (copper and zinc), and hyaluronic acid.
- If you want to paint your nails, use hypoallergenic nail polish.
- Do not use fake nails.
- Use cotton gloves to protect your nails when doing household chores.
IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ERYTHEMA OR OTHER ABNORMALITIES IN THE IRRADIATED AREA, ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE APPROPRIATE COURSE OF TREATMENT.
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