If you or a loved one will soon be starting chemotherapy, the physician has probably already warned you about a variety of side effects that may occur. However, it can be easy to disregard the possibility of skin that may become unusually sensitive to sunlight following chemotherapy. The information listed below will help you to better understand the link between chemotherapy and the possible side effects that could manifest after exposure to sunlight.
Understanding The Possible Side Effects Of Chemotherapy On The Skin
Although many people know that chemotherapy is a common treatment for many types of cancer, they may not understand how it works. Specifically, it works by targeting the cancer cells within your body. In some cases, it is used to kill off cancer cells, and in other cases, it can only keep the cancerous cells from reproducing.
Regardless, an unfortunate side effect that is frequently reported is that it does not kill off cancer cells. Instead, it can kill off healthy blood cells. One side effect is seen when patients can get a sunburn within minutes of sun exposure. Therefore, the physician may suggest minimizing sun exposure whenever possible, and tinting the windows in your vehicle is an ideal way to do so.
Learning Why You Should Tint Your Windows
While the use of an effective sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is a good idea for almost anyone who is regularly exposed to the sun, it may not be the most appropriate choice during and immediately after chemotherapy. One reason for that change is due to the immune system changes common following chemotherapy. It is not unusual to become allergic to substances that were formerly well tolerated, such as sunscreen.
A better idea is to tint your windows and avoid as much sun exposure as you can. While there are varying levels of tinting that you can access, it is important to note that states can vary from one to another as to the maximum amount of tinting permitted in that area. Therefore, you should speak with your tinting specialist to make the best choice.
In conclusion, even though chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment for many types of cancer, its side effects can be very challenging to endure. If you are planning for your recovery or that of a loved one, it is a good idea to consider tinting windows in your car. By doing so, it may be possible to minimize the overly sensitive skin that may be seen following chemotherapy for some patients.
Share