General Tips

Here are a few general tips to keep in mind at home; keeping skin properly hydrated will help to improve your daily life:

• It is important to maintain a warm temperature and not allow your skin to become too cold; skin will dry out faster in cooler temperatures. Humidifiers or flat pans of water on radiators are also helpful to maintain moisture in your home, especially the bedroom as proper sleeping temperatures are very important to avoid sweating or extreme cold.
• When selecting clothing to keep skin comfortable, opt for fabrics made of cotton and/or cotton-synthetic blends; wool and pure synthetic fabrics, while warm, can be irritating and abrasive to the skin. Looser-fitting garments are also optimal as tight, close-fitting clothes may agitate skin. Starch should also be avoided, especially in bed sheets.
• Laundry detergent can affect your clothing and thus the sensitivity of skin as well. Detergents should be unscented. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should be avoided as well.

Bathing

While discussing the importance of avoiding dry skin, bathing comes to mind as the most straightforward way to “fill” the skin with water. Many simple things can be changed and/or added into your bathing routine to keep you comfortable and as irritant-free as possible. Here are some tips on how to get the most positive benefits out of bathing.

• Water temperature is important when bathing – water should be kept lukewarm, not hot. While soaking skin for a long time in a bath may feel good, bathing for extended periods of time is not recommended as extensive exposure to water will ultimately dry the skin.
• Soap should be used sparingly and it is important to avoid lathering areas that may already be dry or irritated. Mild, unscented soaps are gentle and optimal; avoid perfumes and dyes in soaps. Brands like Dove Sensitive Skin, Cetaphil, and California Baby are great options.
• Oatmeal baths are a great way to soothe irritated, dry skin. Aveeno designed a colloidal oatmeal product “Soothing Bath Treatment” for this purpose. The content of the packet should be slowly sprinkled directly under the faucet into the tub. However, anyone can make their own oatmeal bath at home: 1 cup of regular oatmeal should be placed into 2 layers of cheesecloth; cheesecloth should be tied securely into a small pouch. Leave the pouch of oatmeal in a lukewarm bath water for 10-15 min.
• A great way to restore the slightly acidic pH of the skin is to take a bath with a hint of white vinegar (1/2 cup of white vinegar per one-quarter filled bath).
• Patients with frequent skin infections may benefit from going to a public swimming pool twice a week. The high level of chlorine  in the water of a public swimming pool is a perfect way to sterilize the skin. While it may be difficult for some patients to utilize a public swimming pool, you can also make your own “swimming pool water” at home (bleach bath) using 1/2 cup of bleach per one-quarter filled bath. If you don't have a bathtub, you can make your own bleach-based “Dakin’s” spray (talk to your doctor for directions). To keep the skin infection under control, sheets and towels should be cleaned twice a week.
• The general rules for bathing include short baths (5-7 min); do not scrub, do not rub, do not scratch open skin areas; dry skin gently without rubbing, and always generously apply a moisturizing product after every single bath.
• The drying process is equally important and bathroom temperatures must remain cool and as steam-free as possible. Pat yourself dry (do not rub) with a soft, dry towel. 
• After skin has been dried but is still damp, apply a moisturizer/emollient to seal in moisture.

With the proper care, skin can often be improved in many cutaneous lymphoma patients. It is important to note that products do not always have to be the most expensive. Quality ingredients are much more important than cost. By knowing the basics about skin care products, you will hopefully be able to improve your quality of life and live your best life possible.

Please note, at-home skincare does not negate the need for prescription medications, but can complement the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma. It is key for patients to take an active role in their own road to recovery and be aware of products available to help heal their skin.