| "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path - and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ |
| SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY Skin and nail problems. |
| ORPHANS OF THE CANCER STORM |
Itching, peeling, dry and irritated skin, rashes and acne are possible during treatment. If your child does not have a central line, her veins receiving any IV chemotherapy drugs may darken during treatment. However, this will fade once the course has ended. Using a good anti-bacterial soap and a water based moisturiser will help prevent infections and dry skin. Do not let your child bathe in hot water as this may dry out the skin too much. Apply sun-screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of no less than 30 . Irradiated and exposed skin is particularly vulnerable to burning. Provide your child with a Sun Protection sunscreen and ensure she understands the importance of regular application whilst outside. Use broad-rimmed sunhats to keep the face shaded, and insist your child wear a head covering every time she is outside. This is particularly important if your child is bald, and/or has received cranial radiation. Encourage your child to avoid scratchy, irritating clothes such as wool, or those which are likely to cause sweating. She will feel far more com fortable in loose, soft cotton garments. During drug administration, leakage of chemotherapy from the cannula may damage the surrounding skin and tissues. This is a particular issue with vincristine and vinblastine. Be vigilant for signs of leakage at the IV site (stinging or burning sensation, redness or swelling), and alert the doctor Immediately if you suspect this is a problem. Keep your child's fingernails trimmed short to help prevent breakage during and immediately after chemotherapy. Brittle, broken or chipped nails are particularly possible as they grow out following treatment, when a white band or ridge may appear on the nail Once the band has grown out, the nail should become stronger, and less vulnerable. Encourage your child to reframe from scratching rashes, as this increases the risk of infection. Rub cornstarch, sudocrem or calamine lotion on itchy skin. This is often soothing. Choose quality medications which will control itching and soothe your child’s skin. Ensure the medication is given correctly, according to packaging instructions and doctor or pharmacist directions. If your child develops a severe or extensive rash or suffers from prolonged itchiness, consult her doctor for advice on appropriate treatment, particularly if this appears concurrently to low white blood counts. Go back to CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS index. Go back to GENERAL TREATMENT index. Go back to ORbIT TREATMENT index. Go back to SONGS TREATMENT index. |
| Disclaimer This information page has been prepared by an individual who does not have medical training. However its contents have been reviewed by appropriately qualified medical professionals for accuracy and quality. This page is intended for information purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnosis or treatment. If this information raises any concerns about your child’s condition or care protocol, discuss them with his or her paediatrician, oncologist, or other appropriate medical professional who has knowledge of the case. |