How to Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy
There are several things a patient and caregiver can do to help prevent and manage dry skin at home:
* Recognize when skin is dry. Dry skin appears rough and flaky. It may also become cracked and peeled. Skin may feel tight and become itchy.
* Keep hydrated Drink plenty if of fluids to keep body well hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of skin dryness.
* Avoid extreme weather conditions. Try to stay out of extreme weather, like severe cold and hot weather. Dry and windy conditions can aggravate dry skin.
* Avoid personal products containing perfumes and scents. The chemicals in perfumed products like soaps, cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions, and body sprays can irritate skin, causing it to become dry. They also can worsen already dry skin.
Use products labeled perfume-free, allergen-free, or "for sensitive skin." Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter product like Cetaphil to cleanse skin.
