5 Tips For Dealing With Cancer Treatment Side Effects

There have been a lot of advancements in cancer treatments over the years and more people are beating the disease than ever. However, treatments like radiation and chemotherapy do come with their share of side effects. In addition to killing cancer cells, these treatments can kill some of your healthy skills. Here are some useful tips for dealing with these side effects.

Be Extra Gentle With Your Hair

Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments. While it will not cause you any physical pain, it can negatively affect your self-esteem. To reduce the amount of hair you lose, be super gentle with your locks. Reduce the amount of times you wash your hair every week and avoid heat styling tools.

Stick to Bland Foods

Some chemotherapy treatments can cause nausea and vomiting. That is why you should be careful about the foods you eat. Stay away from greasy and spicy foods, as they can be very hard on the stomach. Fill your diet with bland foods, such as toast and bananas, because they are easier to digest.

Fight Fatigue With Exercise

Cancer treatments can make you feel more tired than usual. One way to combat fatigue is include exercise in your routine. Light exercise, such as yoga or walking, can help improve your energy levels throughout the day.

Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater 

If you develop mouth sores from your cancer treatments, you may experience pain and have difficulty eating and drinking.  Swishing saltwater around in your mouth can help reduce mouth sores. Try to rinse your mouth after every meal.

Treat Skin Rashes With Care

A skin rash is another side effect you may experience from chemotherapy. These rashes can be quite painful and cause intense itching. However, there are several things you can do at home to alleviate the rash.

Carefully wash your skin with water and mild soap and avoid applying any lotions or cosmetics to the area. Do not expose the skin to sunlight or extreme temperatures, as they can irritate the rash even more. Resist the urge to scratch the rash, no matter how much it itches.

Going through chemotherapy treatments will not always be easy. However, if you follow these helpful tips, you can reduce some of the side effects. If you have any additional questions about your cancer treatment, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

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