Staying Mindful Of Self-Care

Let’s Try And Keep Up with The Self-Care Routines While Quarantined

As we get deeper into this quarantine, we may be feeling anxious, bored and restless. People are sometimes not sure even how can they classify these sentiments all out. When you’re coping, don’t forget to include yourself in compassion. We are all trying with the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and learning our new way of life.

With news of the COVID-19 virus coming at us from all directions, anxiety is running high, and it's important to stay mindful of self-care. During these odd times of self-quarantine and social distancing, we all need to take steps to secure we stay healthy.

Staying Inside All Day Can Dry Out Our Skin

Taking care of one’s self while facing cancer, caregiving or during a loss is a constant theme that we explore - exchanging ideas for physical and mental self-care. There is an abundance of websites, seminars, and books that take on this concept and cover methods such as mindfulness and exercise.

“Skin is getting dry for a few reasons. When you are inside all day and the heat is on, the humidity in the air diminishes and that translates into less moisturizer for your skin,” says Dr. Shyamali Singhal, surgical oncologist and founder of H&B. 

Dr. Singhal explains that, usually, going outside and experiencing a change in climate typically helps with inciting oil glands to produce more moisture, but that’s not something many of us can do at the moment. Pair that with an inrush of showering and constant hand-washing, and we have ourselves skin stripped away the skin’s natural oils as well as any moisturizer that was applied earlier on in the day.

We Still Need to Use Sunscreen     

 With millions of people staying home in a communal attempt to control the spread of coronavirus, the sun may seem like a distant memory. However, social distancing does not mean it is okay to skip the most important part of your daily skincare routine - sunscreen - as you should still be wearing it for protection indoors. According to dermatologists, the reason individuals are advised to continue slathering on sunscreen despite spending the majority of their days inside at home has to do with windows and UVA rays. Whether you receive injectable medications or not, reducing your exposure to the sun is a good way to go. Sun damage to the skin is the leading cause of creases. Skin tends to be weak against these wrinkles since they do not include the underlying muscles.

Many people may be spending more time outdoors to break up the monotony of the quarantine. While this is expected, a good rule of thumb if you do spend time outside is to use a sunscreen with a high SPF to your face, neck, and hands. Make sure you apply sunscreen even on cloudy, overcast days.

“Many people believe that having an SPF in their moisturizer or foundation, for example, will suffice,” says Dr. Singhal. “But, it is necessary to remember that SPF only applies to protection against UVB. “UVA is a longer wavelength that can penetrate glass. It is the main wavelength that damages our collagen and also can increase our risk of skin cancer.”

The Virus Affects All Age-Groups

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact patients with cancer, survivors, caregivers, and their families. Although much attention has been given to how the novel coronavirus affects senior citizens – who have thus far made up the majority of patients who have died from COVID-19– critical complications from the virus have been reported among patients in all age groups.

Are Cancer Patients At Higher Risk To Have COVID-19

A recent Chinese study of patients with cancer who had COVID-19 showed that patients who experienced chemotherapy or surgery in the past month had a higher risk matched to those who had not undergone recent treatment. The risk appears to be higher in patients with more than one chronic medical condition. 

 Patients who are undergoing active treatment for cancer are likely at higher risk than those who are in remission. Patients who are in their first year after stem cell transplantation or CAR T-cell therapy could be at higher risk for developing complications if they get infected with COVID-19. Those who are ahead one year after transplantation and are still regarded to be immunocompromised may continue at high risk for complications.