definitely not looking for small skin changes or calcifications (Healthline.com, 2018). We will look at warning signs on our clients so you can spot the difference in their skin, hair, or nails that may save their life. Early detection with cancer can mean the difference between life and death. It is important to understand that we are not doctors, so never act like one in your treatment room. If you see anything that looks malignant or has a reason for concern such as growing hyperpigmentation with uneven borders, never scare your client. In a relaxed way, ask about skincare and sun protection. Start by asking what they use for sun protection and if they burn easily. If they have or have not had a full-body skin check by a dermatologist yet this year, you may consider suggesting that it is time. We must always conduct ourselves most calm manner. It is important to convey this information to your clients in a way that will make them take you seriously, but won’t alarm them. It’s important to reiterate: we are not medical professionals. But arming ourselves with the knowledge of what skin cancer can look like will help us better serve our clients. A simple way for you to check if a mole looks troublesome on a client is by applying the ABCDEs for melanoma (Prevent Cancer Foundation, N.D.). The letter A stands for asymmetry. Does one side of the mole not match the other half? The easiest way to check is to draw an imaginary line through the mole to see if it is the same on both sides. The letter B is for the border- if the edges of the mole are ragged, blurred, or irregular, that can be a sign of melanoma lesions. The letter C is for a color- a mole that does not have the same color throughout or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red is considered suspicious. Normal moles are usually a single shade of color, so moles that have many different shades or colors should be checked by a professional. The letter D is for diameter. If it looks larger than the diameter of an eraser of a pencil, that is considered suspicious. The E stands for evolving. A mole that is evolving, shrinking, growing, changing- for example, if it begins to itch or bleed- should be checked.
THE RETURN
these things can be easily remedied by coming back for regular facials. It is important to keep rejuvenating new skin cells by doing light exfoliating and hydrating treatments with all-natural ingredients. An easy facial protocol for your returning or new post-cancer treatment client will include an in-depth consultation to ascertain which treatments were done and which side effects the patient is experiencing. A skin analysis will be helpful in determining exactly what your clients needs. When it comes time to exfoliate, either skip it or use an all-natural light enzyme (determine any allergies during the consultation). Include a warm towel for comfort. If doing extractions, only use light pressure, as your post-cancer treatment client will likely have very sensitive skin. .Similarly, use only light pressure during the massage. Consider adding an antioxidant serum with vitamins A, C, and E. Green tea or grapeseed oil are great options as well. This will help fight free radicals and help calm cellular inflammation. Use a hydrating or antioxidant mask, with ingredients that will help nourish the skin. I also suggest a light massage of the neck and shoulders for comfort- make sure to ascertain whether or not your client has a chemotherapy port, to ensure you stay away from that area. We need to restore the barrier function of the skin /promoting the growth of new healthy skin cells. Cancer treatments do not just kill bad cells but also kills healthy cells. Make sure to do your homework as an Esthetician and explore the many different skincare lines that are made exclusively for cancer patients and are oncology-approved and incorporate one of them in your facials. It is most important to have ingredients approved for post-cancer patients or sensitized skin.
Once they have been cleared from all cancer treatments and have a note from their oncologist, it is okay for your client to return to you for their first facial. That facial should be a very basic facial hydrating facial using occlusive products to prevent water loss. Your goal is to repair and restore the barrier function of the skin. Limit your use of exfoliation, as the cancer patients’ skin may still be sensitive from the treatments. You may feel intrusive asking your client for a doctor's note after any cancer treatment, but to protect yourself it is necessary. You will then keep that note in your file under their name. It is important to find out if they have any new restrictions or a port because of their diagnosis. If they still have a port, it will be visible on the chest and you will just stay away from that area during the massage. Did the client have lymph nodes removed? Special massage modifications should be made. Finally, your client returns but you should be aware that their immune system is still impaired and be sure to be following your universal precautions and steps (Wikipedia, 2020): ● Always make sure your client completes and signs a new updated consultation form. ● An in-depth skin analysis. ● Always keep your treatment room sanitary. ● No waxing until cleared by their oncologist and consider sugaring as it is a more natural alternative. ● Check your esthetician's insurance and be sure to have the proper coverage needed to ensure you and your client’s safety. Your client’s main complaint’s after treatment about their skin will likely be that it is dry and more sensitive and filled with hyperpigmentation. It also may be losing a lot of its elasticity (a common side-effect on the skin from chemotherapy). Most of
Page 39
Book Code: ENC0824
EliteLearning.com/ Cosmetology
Powered by FlippingBook