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Skin Problems
By peace | November 29, 2006
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is subject to a variety of problems in advanced disease of any kind. Among the more common skin problems of patients with advanced cancer are decubitus ulcers (bed sores), malignant ulcers (necrotic area caused directly by cancer), fistulas (abnormal opening between body parts or cavities, e.g., between rectum and vagina), fungating tumors (rapidly growing external tumors), itching or pruritus, infections, skin problems resulting from cancer treatment, and paraneoplastic syndromes. There is also a general deterioration of skin condition in patients with advanced cancer and other illnesses, including thinning, loss of elasticity, dehydration, deepening of sores and wrinkles, and pigmentation disorders. Skin problems, especially infections, are common in persons with AIDS.
Because a general deterioration of skin condition is very common, it is important to pay careful attention to preventing problems and identifying problems early in their development.
In the modern world, complaints such as acne, premature wrinkles, age spots, and skin markings are common. So common, in fact, that they are often thought to be part of the normal process of adolescence or of aging.
Understanding the Problem
Many people experience changes in their skin during cancer treatments. Sometimes chemotherapy causes this. Symptoms may include dry skin, itch, rashes, sores, sweating darkening of skin, veins, or fingernails. Chemotherapy also may make the person with cancer more prone to sunburn.
Radiation therapy causes skin problems that can last several weeks after treatments end. Symptoms include dryness, itching, and redness around areas where the radiation beam enters or exits the body. Most of these reactions will go away a few weeks after treatment is finished.
When to Get Professional Help
Call the doctor or nurse if:
* Skin gets very rough, red, or painful. This may be a reaction (possibly allergic) to a new chemotherapy drug. A doctor may be able to substitute another drug.
* A cut becomes red, sore or swollen, or doesn’t heal. Act early to prevent skin infection.
* A rash or hives start; this may signal a reaction to food, liquid, or a new drug.
* Severe itching lasts more than three days. This may be a reaction to a drug, or the body may be processing materials by pushing excess substances through the pores of the skin.
* Skin is scratched open and looks red. Red and open skin can become infected.
* Pus comes out of an opening or cut, usually indicating a skin infection.
* Skin turns yellow. This means that a major organ, such as the liver, is not working well.
* Urine becomes the color of tea. This is another signal that a major organ is not working well or that bleeding is occurring higher up in the urinary system.
* Bowel movements are clay-colored (more white than orange).
* A bruise does not improve in a week. Slow bleeding may be occurring.
What You Can Do To Help
If the skin problem is not an emergency, below are some things to help you deal with the problem.
1. Relieve itching
2. Prevent dryness and itching
3. Conceal dark skin, veins, or discolored fingernails
4. Treat acne
5. Limit sweating
6. Decrease sun sensitivity
7. Take care of skin during and after radiation therapy
8. Take care of the diaper area
Relieve itching
* Suggest bathing with cool water and using gentle soap. Try an oatmeal or oil soap. Alpha Keri; may be added to bath water; it eliminates the need for soap while it softens skin.
* Add baking soda to bath water. It soothes sensitive skin and reduces itching.
* Remind the person to rinse skin thoroughly and pat dry.
* Apply cool, moist compresses to itchy areas.
* Suggest keeping nails short and clean. They are less likely to scratch open the skin.
* Encourage the person to wear clean white gloves if he or she is scratching.
* Change bed sheets daily. This removes flaked dry skin and bacteria, which cause itchiness.
* Avoid harsh laundry detergents, such as those that contain chemicals to attack oil and dirt.
* Keep room cool at 65-75 degrees F. When the body sweats more, itchiness increases.
* Encourage rest. Too much activity makes the skin sweaty and prone to itch and irritation.
* Avoid extreme cold or heat.
* Suggest covering up in the sun. Use a lotion with at least a SPF #15 sunblock.
Prevent dryness and itching
* Add mineral oil or baby oil to bath waterr. Oil will soak in and prevent skin dryness.
* Take sponge baths, which are cooler.
* Avoid full baths or showers, which expose skin to heat for a longer time.
* Use warm water, not hot water.
* Do not scrub skin. Scrubbing pulls on delicate tissues and removes important moisture.
* Pat skin dry. This is more gentle than rubbing and helps lock in needed moisture.
* Apply a mild water-based moisturizing cream to skin just after a bath.
* Limit bathing to once a day.
* Encourage drinking two quarts of fluids every day unless instructed otherwise.
* Avoid extreme heat, cold, or wind, which chafe the skin.
* Avoid colognes, after-shaves, or lotions that contain alcohol, which dries out skin.
* Remind the person to use an electric razor rather than a straight or blade razor.
* Avoid opening or popping blisters.
* Put dry clean gauze on any open areas.
Topics: All Posts, Man's health, Woman's Health |
January 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
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