Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases of our age since it is the second largest cause of death worldwide after heart disease. It is characterized by uncontrollable cell division caused by an abnormal mass of cells within the body caused by cell mutations. Several factors may contribute to its cause, including genetics, inactivity, alcoholism, smoking, physical trauma, and radiation. In India, cancer cases have grown by approximately 1.1 to 2 percent annually on average between 2010 and 2019. In India, one in nine people will have cancer at some point in their lives. The most common types of cancer in men and women were lung cancer and breast cancer, respectively.
There are treatments available to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, etc., but each treatment comes with its own side effects. The side effects experienced by patients can vary depending on the type of treatment, their individual response, and the area that is being treated. There are many ways in which cancer treatment can affect the skin, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. Common skin problems that might arise during cancer treatment include dry skin, rashes, radiation burns, and skin infections.
Ayurveda, an ancient health science with hundreds of effective, safe herbal remedies and scientific medical concepts, is believed to offer a reassuring solution to this problem. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance the body’s energies (doshas), nourish the skin, and promote general well-being.
A common side effect of cancer treatments is dry skin, which is caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, which can damage the skin’s moisture barrier. These therapies damage the skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in dry, flaky, and irritated skin. In order to protect the skin, it should be hydrated from inside and outside. Drinking plenty of water, boiled with coriander seeds or cardamom, can help hydrate the skin from the inside. Staying hydrated is considered to be crucial for maintaining skin moisture. Topical application for skin prescribed by Ayurveda includes Coconut oil, which can be used as a moisturizing agent and as a barrier to prevent further moisture loss. Applying organic coconut oil to damaged skin after a shower is good for preserving the skin’s moisture content. In Ayurveda, ghee is used to nourish and hydrate the skin. It is applied topically to dry, rough patches to moisturize and soften them. The cooling and hydrating properties of aloe vera make it a perfect natural choice for treating dry, irritated skin. Fresh aloe vera gel can help soothe and hydrate dry areas.
A common side effect of radiation therapy is radiation burns, also known as radiation dermatitis. Radiation burns occur when your skin is exposed to radiation. Radiation burns can vary in severity based on radiation dose, the treatment area, and individual skin sensitivity. Fresh aloe vera gel or its pulp can be applied to affected skin areas to reduce irritation and burning sensation. Also, Ayurveda prescribes the application of a paste made up of sandalwood, which can help to minimize burns. Sandalwood pieces or licorice roots can be boiled in water; after cooling, that infused water can be used as a wash for affected areas of burns. Ayurvedic medicated ghee formulation, namely Sata dhouta ghritam ointment, which is easily available at any of the Ayurvedic medical shops, is a good topical application to reduce the burning sensation induced by radiation treatment.
Skin rashes and skin infections are also common side effects of cancer treatment. These therapies can weaken the immune system, making it easier for infections to develop. Redness, itching, swelling, and warmth over affected areas are commonly occurring symptoms. Ayurveda prescribes a lot of remedies for these symptoms. Turmeric is an ayurvedic drug known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which make it useful for the benefit of the skin. Applying turmeric powder paste along with water or rosewater over the affected areas will reduce skin infections and rashes. Like this, Neem has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat skin infections, rashes, and acne-like breakouts induced by chemotherapy. Applying Neem leaves paste or neem leaves can be boiled in water, and the infused water can be used as a wash for the skin. An ayurvedic drug called Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps improve immunity, reduce stress, and support overall skin health. Ashwagandha can be taken internally in powder form along with milk or honey. It also helps in managing immune-compromised and stress-related skin problems.
Ayurveda also advocates the importance of a balanced diet to promote healing, detoxification, and overall skin health during cancer treatment. Proper water intake and foods which are rich in Vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats (ghee, coconut oil), fruits (pomegranate, papaya, etc), vegetables (Spinach, carrots, etc), and nuts. Also, minimizing the intake of spicy, oily, or processed foods helps to reduce skin problems during cancer treatment.
Ayurvedic therapies can complement conventional cancer treatments by focusing on holistic healing, strengthening the body’s natural defenses, improving quality of life, and reducing side effects induced by cancer treatments. Ayurveda enhances quality of life, promotes healing during cancer treatment, and fortifies the body’s resilience through the use of natural treatments, herbal supplements, dietary changes, and mind-body techniques.
