Catering to Oncology Clients Prior to performing any spa services, estheticians should be aware if a client is undergoing cancer treatment. For this reason, a section of the new client questionnaire should inquire about an individual’ s cancer status. Active cancer patients may have a heightened sensitivity to certain skin-care product ingredients or fragrances, the use of which could result in rash, redness, or worse. Additionally, some services, like waxing and microdermabrasion, should be avoided, as their implementation could result in a high degree of pain, or worse, such as the removal of skin in the treated area. If an oncology patient demands the service, it is highly suggested that a letter from the patient’ s doctor be requested.
In addition to considering the elements of each spa service that will come into direct contact with the skin of an oncology client, it is necessary to evaluate the spa environment. A compromised immune system requires an emphasis on an exceptionally high level of sanitation. Other items that should be considered include the avoidance of environmental fragrances and shortening the length of treatment due to client fatigue.
Proper Skin Care It is estimated that approximately 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year 4. Assuming that oncology-related skin issues will affect a large portion of this group, it’ s apparent that there is a significant need for education about appropriate skin care when undergoing cancer treatment. Outside of dermatologists, the best messengers of this information are estheticians.
In general, proper skin care should help to improve the overall health of the skin, rather than treat just a singular condition. That statement applies all the more in the case of oncology clients. Consider the following guidelines:
1. Utilize gentle formulations. Advise clients who are actively undergoing cancer treatment to seek out gentle products for, not only their face, but their hair and body, as well. Product ingredient lists should be examined for the presence of harsh ingredients like alcohol, acetone,
“ A compromised immune system requires an emphasis on an exceptionally high level of sanitation.”
camphor, sodium lauryl sulfate, abrasives, or excess fragrance. If any of these are found, the product should not be used.
Conversely, products that are rich in therapeutic ingredients, such as aloe, may be considered. Aloe has numerous benefits that make it a wise choice for those undergoing a cancer treatment, including: l Aloe has antimicrobial properties. l It is anti-inflammatory. l It is proven to heal wounds. l It moisturizes the skin. l It acts as an anesthetic. However, only products that utilize pharmaceutical-grade aloe should be used. Lower grades of aloe include impurities that can be irritating to anyone’ s skin, especially that of oncology clients. Furthermore, it is necessary for the product to contain a high concentration of aloe if it is to have any benefit whatsoever.
2. Place a priority on effective moisturization. Beyond the discomfort that accompanies dry skin, the condition can also lead to a host of other issues, including acne, rashes, and cracking skin. As our protective covering, skin is tasked with keeping foreign bodies and bacteria outside of the body. Cracked skin presents an opportunity for infection, something oncology clients are poorly positioned to fight.
Nurturing moisturizers should be applied regularly throughout the day. Clients should select products that are rich in humectants, which help the skin to maintain its water content, thereby improving its pliability. The more humectant-rich a formulation is, the heavier it will feel. Such products are often marketed as“ night moisturizers,” but can, of course, be used at any time.
3. Avoid exfoliation products. While well-formulated exfoliation products are quite successful in their ability to improve the overall health of the skin, they actually have the opposite effect on the skin of someone undergoing cancer treatment. Individuals with a weakened immune system are limited in their ability to tolerate the acids in these products; their use could result in a negative skin reaction. As a rule of thumb, avoid all types of exfoliating products with oncology clients. n
1 Borovicka, J., Gandhi, M., Calahan, C., Abraham, T., & al, e.( 2011). Economic
burden of dermatologic adverse events induced by molecularly targeted cancer agents. Archves of Dermatology, 147( 12), 1403-1409. 2 Niraula, S., Seruga, B., Ocana, A., & Shao, T.( 2012, July 16). The price we
pay for progress: a meta-analysis of harms of newly approved anticancer drugs. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 3 Fellowes, D., Barnes, K., & Wilkinson, S.( 2004). Aromatherapy and
massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue3, Article: CD002287. 4 American Cancer Society.( 2012). Cancer Facts & Figures 2012. Atlanta: American Cancer Society.
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