Feeling hot and uncomfortable is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Here’s our pick of recommended products to help keep your skin cool…
If radiotherapy forms part of your cancer treatment programme, you may find that your skin feels very hot and uncomfortable not just during treatment but for two to three weeks after as well.
But it isn’t just radiotherapy that can make your skin feel hot; some chemotherapy drugs are known to cause flushing, which creates a feeling of heat in the face and neck. Although these symptoms aren’t permanent, they can be unpleasant and make you feel miserable, so we’ve put together a list of products that will help cool your skin and make you feel better.
1) GelO Cooling Gel Mat
This is one of the most popular Live Better With products – and deservedly so. Available in different sizes, for pillow or mattress, It’s a flexible, slimline, cooling mat that gives you welcome and longlasting relief from hot flushes and night sweats. The GelO works without refrigeration, but you can pop it in the fridge for an extra boost of cool!
It’s reassuringly leakproof and you can use it next to your skin, or cover the pad with a sheet or pillowcase. Even better, it’s packable and portable, so you can take it with you on holiday or whenever you are staying away from home – and know that you’ll sleep more comfortably.
Buy GelO Cooling Gel Mat here.
2) Brobe Gel Ice Pack
This pack, which contains cooling crystals, is perfect if you are being treated for breast cancer. It’s designed to fit into a Brobe mastectomy bra or a Brobe Recovery Pillow and offers you a quick, chemical-free solution to pain and swelling, for up to two hours at a time.
3) Brobe Cooling Neck Wrap
If you’re suffering from hot flushes cause by chemotherapy or hormone therapy, we think you’ll find this ideal. It resembles a thin, lightweight neck scarf that can be worn with any outfit and uses the same crystal polymer technology as the Brobe Gel Ice Pack. It’s simple to use, takes only 15 to 20 minutes to reach the correct temperature, and its cooling effect lasts from three to five hours.
Buy Brobe Cooling Neck Wrap here.
4) Defiant Beauty Cool and Refresh Spritz
We love this refreshing aerosol spritz – perfect when you’re in hospital, having a hot flush, or out and about and just need to cool down. It’s light, refreshing, 100 per cent organic and has a subtle, orange blossom fragrance. Designed specially for cancer patients, by cancer patients.
Buy Defiant Beauty Cool and Refresh Spritz here.
5) Alhydran Scar Cream
Clinically tested and proven to be very effective in soothing radiation burns and healing surgery scars, this wonderful cream is full of good things that skin loves: fresh aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, vitamin E and vitamin C. It protects new skin, is deeply moisturising, restores suppleness, and reduces the appearance of burns and scars. Many people find Alhydran cream very soothing during radiotherapy treatment and it’s used in hospitals and burns centres across Europe. Check with your doctor or radiographer first to see if it is suitable for you to use.
6) Lindi Skin Cooler Pad
Radiotherapy can make your skin dry and reddened – this is called a reaction area, which can become hot and painful. Lindi pads are specially designed for cancer patients having radiotherapy; they’re thick, reusable, adhere to your skin without sticking to it, and are soothing, cooling and healing.
Buy Lindi Skin Cooler Pad here.
7) Lindi Skin Cooler Roll
Another Lindi product for radiation reaction – such a simple idea but a brilliant one. All you have to do is cut a piece of the cooler roll to the size you need and place it on the affected area, so there’s no waste. Like the Lindi pads, it adheres to your skin without sticking to it and is soothing and cooling.
Buy Lindi Skin Cooler Roll here.
8) Lindi Skin Soothing Balm
A perfect unisex product for anyone suffering from radiation reaction. Made from nutrient-rich avocado oil, this hydrating balm will soothe radiotherapy burns. It can also alleviate the symptoms of hand and foot syndrome, which is caused by some chemotherapy drugs.
Buy Lindi Skin Soothing Balm here.
9) Jilla Half Moon Bamboo Top
If your cancer treatment is causing hot sweats, we definitely recommend wearing a Jilla top. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and moisture wicking and will keep you comfortable and confident throughout the day. It’s lightweight and versatile, with side splits and a flattering drape, so it’s ideal for exercise classes too, such as yoga or Pilates.
Buy Jilla Half Moon Bamboo Top here.
10) Keeping Cool With Cancer Kit
If you are struggling to keep cool, why not treat yourself to this brilliant kit? Or better still, ask someone to treat you! It combines three great skin cooling products: the GelO Cool Mat and the Defiant Beauty Cool and Refresh Spritz, both of which are in our top 10 list, plus a Gel Eye Mask. It will see you through your treatment and beyond, whenever you feel hot and uncomfortable, whatever the reason.
Buy Keeping Cool With Cancer Kit here.
These are just some of Live Better With Cancer’s recommended products that can help to cool your skin, from sleep fans and bamboo pyjamas and bedding, to neck, back and sports wraps. You’ll find many more here and here. If you are struggling to keep your skin cool, it’s worth browsing through our online shop to see what’s available. Prices start at just a few pounds.
Read the Live Better With Guide to Skin Problems here.
And don’t forget to visit our Community Forums where you’ll find help, advice and suggestions posted by Live Better With Cancer Community Members.