Dermatologist Dr Kara Heelan recently shared her expert advice with Vogue on how to care for your skin while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Dr Heelan is a specialist in oncodermatology and explained that “approximately half of people treated for cancer will develop a dermatologic issue during treatment affecting hair, skin or nails. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted treatments work by killing cancer cells, while immunotherapy treatments boost the body’s own immune system,” she says. “These effects can have repercussions, not just on the target organ, but also on other organ systems including the skin.”
Your skin can be affected in different ways, depending on the treatment you receive:
- itchy, dry skin
- extra sensitivity
- increased sun sensitivity
- pigment changes
- skin can be more susceptible to infection
The first step is to look at your current skincare routine and eradicate any products that will irritate the skin. Dr Heelan recommends avoiding “harsh toners, and any facial treatments that contain alcohol, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), irritant anti-acne products such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and scrubs, harsh exfoliants or bead containing products.
“Patients often ask me about continuing their ‘active’ topical skin treatments, like vitamin C or tretinoins. However, this often needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual’s cancer treatment and the specific topical product constitution.”
Dr Heelan also advised which products you should be using. “Exchange soaps for mild, gentle fragrance-free soap substitutes or washes, and take short, warm – not hot – showers and baths,” suggests Dr Heelan. When it comes to the skin on your face, Dr Heelan advised gently patting or dabbing your skin dry after washing and applying moisturisers or other products at this stage. “When the skin is damp, there is increased absorption of topical agents.”
Moisturising is also extremely important for treating dry skin and even before you start your cancer treatment, start building up your skin barrier. “Creams and ointments are usually better at hydrating the skin than lotions or gels, and ceramides can also be quite soothing.”
And, most importantly of all, do not neglect sun protection. “Sun-sensitivity can be particularly severe depending on the drug you are on, and can occur quite quickly. Protect your skin with clothing and SPF and use lip balms with a high SPF, as lips can be particularly sensitive. You don’t have to avoid sunshine holidays, but be very careful and wear protective clothing, and regularly apply sun cream with a high SPF of at least 30. Look for mineral or physical sunscreens, which can be less irritating on very sensitive skin, particularly for acne type skins.”
For more advice on how best to care for your skin while undergoing cancer treatment, Dr Kara Heelan recommends that patients should consider consulting a dermatologist with a special interest in oncodermatolgy. Call us on 020 8661 3372 to arrange a consultation with Dr Heelan.
Skin complications during breast cancer treatment
Congratulations to Dr Chawla who has recently written a case report entitled ‘Annular atrophic lichen planus induced by anti-HER2 antibodies’. This has been published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology.
Monoclonal inhibitors Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab inhibit human epidermal growth factors receptor 2 (HER-2). These are used to treat HER-2 positive breast cancer. Our case highlights a rare variant of a lichenoid drug eruption in a 35 year old female. Recognising rare potential side effects can ensure patients do not require treatment interruption.
Read the article by visiting here.
To arrange an appointment with Dr Kara Heelan, at Chelsea Outpatient Centre or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre call us on 02034944024.
Kara Heelan talks to Vogue about skincare routines when you’re fighting cancer
Dermatologist Dr Kara Heelan recently shared her expert advice with Vogue on how to care for your skin while undergoing treatment for cancer.
Dr Heelan is a specialist in oncodermatology and explained that “approximately half of people treated for cancer will develop a dermatologic issue during treatment affecting hair, skin or nails. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted treatments work by killing cancer cells, while immunotherapy treatments boost the body’s own immune system,” she says. “These effects can have repercussions, not just on the target organ, but also on other organ systems including the skin.”
Your skin can be affected in different ways, depending on the treatment you receive:
The first step is to look at your current skincare routine and eradicate any products that will irritate the skin. Dr Heelan recommends avoiding “harsh toners, and any facial treatments that contain alcohol, BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), irritant anti-acne products such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and scrubs, harsh exfoliants or bead containing products.
“Patients often ask me about continuing their ‘active’ topical skin treatments, like vitamin C or tretinoins. However, this often needs to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual’s cancer treatment and the specific topical product constitution.”
Dr Heelan also advised which products you should be using. “Exchange soaps for mild, gentle fragrance-free soap substitutes or washes, and take short, warm – not hot – showers and baths,” suggests Dr Heelan. When it comes to the skin on your face, Dr Heelan advised gently patting or dabbing your skin dry after washing and applying moisturisers or other products at this stage. “When the skin is damp, there is increased absorption of topical agents.”
Moisturising is also extremely important for treating dry skin and even before you start your cancer treatment, start building up your skin barrier. “Creams and ointments are usually better at hydrating the skin than lotions or gels, and ceramides can also be quite soothing.”
And, most importantly of all, do not neglect sun protection. “Sun-sensitivity can be particularly severe depending on the drug you are on, and can occur quite quickly. Protect your skin with clothing and SPF and use lip balms with a high SPF, as lips can be particularly sensitive. You don’t have to avoid sunshine holidays, but be very careful and wear protective clothing, and regularly apply sun cream with a high SPF of at least 30. Look for mineral or physical sunscreens, which can be less irritating on very sensitive skin, particularly for acne type skins.”
For more advice on how best to care for your skin while undergoing cancer treatment, Dr Kara Heelan recommends that patients should consider consulting a dermatologist with a special interest in oncodermatolgy. Call us on 020 8661 3372 to arrange a consultation with Dr Heelan.
Who is at risk of skin cancer?
May is Skin Cancer Awareness month! Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, but some people are at an increased risk.
If you include yourself in any of the below-listed groups, please be extra vigilant to check your skin.
If you are worried about a skin lesion, mole or spot please consult your GP or Consultant Dermatologist immediately
Melanoma awareness month – time to check your moles
May is Melanoma Awareness Month and all this lovely weather means it’s time to check your moles! The ABCDEs of melanoma is a guide to help you check your moles. Early detection of melanoma is key.
Mole Check: A is for asymmetry
Check that both halves of your moles are the same and match each other
Mole Check: B is for border
Are the borders or outlines of your moles irregular?
Mole Check: C is for colour
Is the colour pattern regular or are there varying shades of browns, tans, white, red or blue visible?
Mole Check: D is for diameter
Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in diameter – bigger than a pencil eraser
Mole Check: E is for evolution
Is your mole or spot changing over time?
If any of your moles are showing any of these signs please consult your GP or Consultant Dermatologist immediately
Understanding the difference between physical vs chemical sunscreen
Even though the temperatures are dropping, a dermatologist’s advice is to protect the skin whatever the weather from the damaging effects of UV rays. However, there is increasing confusion about whether physical or chemical sunscreen is the best practice to adopt.
What is a mineral or physical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreens consist of mineral ingredients namely, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They work by sitting on top of the skin and they reflect and scatter light in a similar way to clothing.
Zinc oxide protects against a wide range of UVA including UVA 1 (340 to 400 nm). It is very photo-stable and does not react with other UV filters. It is more effective than titanium dioxide in regards to UVA protection however, it is less efficient against UVB radiation. Titanium dioxide protects against UVA 2 (315-340 nm) and UVB, but does not protect against UVA 1 as does zinc oxide.
What are the pros and cons of physical sunscreens?
Physical sunscreens work as soon as they are applied on the skin. They are unlikely to irritate the skin so they are good for sensitive skin types. They can also be good for rosacea skin types or patients with redness as they deflect heat from the skin. They are less likely to be pore-clogging so they are good for acne-prone skin.
They also last longer when in direct UV light, however, they can be rubbed off much more easily than chemical sunscreens especially if in contact with sweat or water. They can often leave white streaks or a white chalkiness on the skin so they are not ideal for under make-up and can be difficult to use for darker skin tones. They tend to be thicker requiring more effort to rub in. They also tend to have a longer shelf life.
What is chemical or organic sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds e.g. oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone. They create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays into heat and then release that heat from the skin. They consist of UVA and UVB blockers. Their structure allows for light to be absorbed.
What are the pros and cons of a chemical sunscreen?
They are usually thinner formulations which makes application easy, they do not cause much white streaking and spread easily. They are much more resistant to sweat or water compared to a physical sunscreen. They only start to be effective about 20 minutes after application to the skin and they require frequent reapplication as its protections get used up more quickly in direct sunlight. They are more likely to be irritating and the higher the SPF, the higher the risk of irritation. They can increase redness in rosacea-prone skin types and they can also clog pores causing an acne flare.
Physical vs chemical sunscreen, which is best for you?
The simple answer is… the one that feels the most comfortable on your skin. If you’re an oilier skin type you will want to choose one that is lightweight and not greasy. If you have sensitive skin that gets red easily you’ll want to find one that doesn’t irritate. If you have a darker skin tone you will want to choose one that doesn’t look chalky on the skin.
Both chemical and physical sunscreens do a great job of protecting your skin from the sun. The most important thing is to find a sunscreen that you like the look and feel of so that you are inclined to use it frequently and reapply regularly.
If you are concerned about the compatibility of your skin and a new sunscreen performing a simple patch test on your inner arm is a good idea, before using it all over your face.
For more advice, arrange a consultation with Dr Kara Heelan at either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre (020 3494 4024) or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre (020 3733 9029).
What is photoprotection and why do we need it?
Photoprotection – or the use of regular sunscreen – is encouraged by doctors and dermatologists because they are aware that our outdoor work and lifestyles mean that complete sun avoidance is not possible.
What is photoprotection?
It is recommended that parents of babies under 6 months should consult a doctor before sunscreen use. This is due to the lack of development of metabolism and excretion of the chemically absorbed agents within sunscreen. If sunscreen is necessary, it should be limited and infrequently used on sun-exposed regions only.
For more advice on photoprotection, arrange a consultation with Dr Kara Heelan at either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre (020 3494 4024) or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre (020 3733 9029).
What happens when you go to see the dermatologist?
Patients are often shocked when they come for a dermatologist check-up and a full-skin examination is required. To help you make the most of your consultation, here are a few tips.
A full skin examination performed by a dermatologist is a great opportunity and should be availed of at your appointment.
What happens during a dermatologist check-up?
The exam itself is usually very brief, taking just a few minutes. It entails removing your clothing so that the dermatologist gets to visualise all of your skin. It is important that your whole skin is visualised so the patterns and types of mole you have are seen.
The more moles you have, the longer the exam will take. If unusual moles are noticed, you may be sent to the photographer for close up images to be taken of specific ones, so that these can be monitored over time. Sometimes your dermatologist may suggest taking a biopsy from your skin.
A biopsy means taking a sample of a small piece of skin that can be examined under the microscope. This is performed under local anaesthetic.
Remove nail polish from fingers and toes before examinations and be prepared to take off make-up if necessary – so bring some supplies in case you need to reapply. Don’t wear fake tan as this will make the examination more difficult and not as accurate.
A dermatologist check-up with Dr Kara Heelan will take place at either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre (020 3494 4024) or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre (020 3733 9029).
British Association of Dermatologists launch Patient Information Hub
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) recently launched a new website that provides anyone living with a skin condition with useful and impartial advice. Along with a helpful A-Z guide to skin diseases and concerns, the website offers videos, treatment information pages, latest research, tips on how to navigate the NHS and find a dermatologist. They have also bought together patients that have gone on different treatment journeys to talk about their experiences.
Visit www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk to access the patient hub.
Skin examination tips from a dermatologist
You should examine your own skin regularly approximately once a month, but often people aren’t sure what they are supposed to be checking for or how best to examine their skin. Here are some skin examination tips to follow:
Skin examination tips:
Self-skin examinations are important for you to do at home at regular intervals. This increases your chances of noticing something unusual so that you can present to the doctor for investigation at the earliest stage possible. If you’ve noticed a skin change that is concerning, you can arrange a consultation with Dr Kara Heelan at either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre (020 3494 4024) or Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre (020 3733 9029).
Gel manicures and skin cancer: are gel manicures dangerous?
This is a question I get asked a lot and what a wise question! For those of you who get fortnightly gel manicures, this is something to think about.
Traditionally, the lamps used during these manicures were ultraviolet lamps predominantly emitting UVA. Ultraviolet-A radiation is associated with a higher skin cancer risk. There have been cases reported of skin cancer developing after UV nail lamp exposure. A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology found that the level of UVA associated with a fortnightly manicure is probably not high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly.
Overall, the good news is that the majority of the bigger brands which are commercially available have now switched to LED-bulbs. LED stands for light-emitting diodes and they are safer than UVA. Unfortunately, LED lamps can still emit some ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA.
Gel manicures and skin cancer: what to be aware of
So the science around the issue of gel manicures and skin cancer remains controversial and inconclusive but the American Association of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation have issued advice on this. They suggest that regardless of the type of lamp, before getting your nails done it is a good idea to protect your hands from UVA exposure by using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB), high SPF sunscreen on your hands and or using a pair of fingerless gloves. There is also probably an unappreciated risk with the availability of at-home DIY gel manicure kits that come with their own lamps and the drying lamps used to speed up the drying of conventional air-drying polish.
So remember before your next manicure to help reduce your risk: