The dermaviduals customised range of skincare products helps support your clients’ skin prior to, during and post topical chemotherapy.
For patients undergoing topical chemotherapy (fluorouracil) for skin cancer, side effects such as redness, burning and pigmentation are common. With the dermaviduals’ specialised skincare protocol, these side effects can be mitigated, providing instant relief to irritated, painful skin and helping to expedite wound healing – offering real and measurable care to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fluorouracil (5-FU), also known as Efudex, Fluoroplex and Carac, is a topical medicated cream used on the skin to treat precancerous and cancerous skin growths, such as actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinomas or superficial basal cell carcinomas. It is a prescription only, anti-cancer (cytotoxic) chemotherapy drug.
Fluorouracil works by blocking the division and growth of malignant cells in order to prevent further structural damage. More simply, cancerous cell growth is inhibited within the treatment area.
‘WITH THE DERMAVIDUALS’ SPECIALISED SKINCARE PROTOCOL, SIDE EFFECTS CAN BE MITIGATED, PROVIDING INSTANT RELIEF TO IRRITATED, PAINFUL SKIN.’
Protocol for Fluorouracil with dermaviduals
- Cleanse skin with dermaviduals Cleansing Milk with DMS by applying in gentle circular motions and then removing with the Essential Cleansing Cloth. Alternatively, it can be removed with water alone.
- Pat the skin dry then apply 5-FU, as prescribed, to the treatment area (whilst wearing gloves).
- Remove gloves and wash hands immediately after application.
- Five minutes after application of 5-FU, apply dermaviduals Oleogel Plus. To support the wound- healing process, Oleogel Plus helps replenish the skin with its physiological lipid composition and antioxidant properties. Unlike alternate water-based moisturisers that may exacerbate inflammation, Oleogel Plus is an ideal formulation for open wounds in order to avoid infection and provide protection and comfort.
Note: Oleogel Plus can be applied for skin comfort as many times throughout the day and night as required. - Do not occlude the treatment area.
- Do not wear makeup whilst undergoing treatment with 5-FU.
- Avoid UV exposure on the treatment area; sun protection is vital.
How chemotherapy affects the skin
‘Chemotherapy involves a multitude of different effects on the skin,’ explains Dr Hans Lautenschläger, an international leader in pharmacology and chemistry and the creator of dermaviduals. ‘While damaging tumour cells, the healthy cells of the skin and the mucous membranes are also affected by the systemic treatment. As a consequence, barrier disorders of the skin will develop. Characteristic signs are dehydrated skin and an increased risk for infections, which is augmented by the weakened immune system.’
In particular, he says pyrimidine antagonists (for example, fluorouracil) are evidenced by photosensitive reactions and hyperpigmentation. Common side effects include itching, burning, irritation, inflammation, dryness, swelling and tenderness at the site of application.
‘The side effects described vary depending on the individual condition and the medical preparation. The most important skincare measure to take in this context is to support the skin barrier with non-irritant, emulsifier- free products in combination with hydrating agents such as amino acids and hyaluronic acid,’ he says.
Oncology aesthetics by dermaviduals
Oncology aesthetics is the management of side effects of cancer treatment on a person’s skin.
Every person’s journey with cancer is different and side effects can vary tremendously. dermaviduals’ customised range of skincare products are indicated for management of skin after being exposed to cytotoxic drugs during cancer treatment.
Products include:
Epi Nouvelle+ Naturelle Facial Mask
– Offers instant relief against hot, burning and itchy skin. The wet dressing of pure biocellulose promotes re-epithelialisation, aiding in cellular regeneration.
Oleogel Plus
– Water-free, lipid-rich formula for extremely dehydrated and reactive skin.
Süüsmoon Lotion N
– A nourishing lotion designed to support skin barrier regeneration and prevention of lipid-dry skin due to its high concentration of essential fatty acids (Omega 3 + 6).
EGCG Liposomes
– An intensive renewal serum intended to increase the skin’s density and overall barrier function, whilst also reducing diffused redness.
DMS Base Cream High Classic
– Formulated with dermaviduals’ unique Derma Membrane Structure, it helps repair and replenish dehydrated skin and stands out as an excellent moisturiser for diffused redness, sensitive and reactive skins.
DMS Mask with Vitamins & Vitamin Cream Mask
– These vitamin masks are formulated to support cellular regeneration, healing and age management. They have high concentrations of vitamins A, C, E and B5. The combination of these actives helps to rebuild collagen and elastin within the dermis and prevent pigmentation while supplying essential cellular nutrients required for optimal cell function within the epidermis.
Suncream SPF 15
– An easily spreadable, fast-penetrating matte cream, this should be used every day and re-applied as directed to prevent further skin damage from UV rays.
Based on the principles of corneotherapy, dermaviduals is a unique, handcrafted skincare range specifically formulated to match the composition of the skin and to care for the unique needs of oncology patients. The range contains no fragrance, silicones, mineral oils, amines, colours, preservatives, parabens or emulsifiers – making it safe, efficacious and gentle on the skin. AMP
dermaviduals is distributed by Derma Aesthetics. For more information, call 1300 420 223, email support@skincorrection.com.au or visit www.dermaviduals.com. au/partner-with-us
