Whilst being a chemo patient, you must stay safe and healthy at all times. This involves becoming aware of the risks and side effects different temperatures offer. A way to cope is to dress accordingly for the season and the weather that comes with it. For instance, in the cold, you must ensure you keep warmer and snugger than usual. Thick blankets, scarves, and fleece headwear naturally become essential.
But during the warmer months of the year, what should chemo patients do? We often neglect these climates and focus on how to keep warm during cold temperatures.
In fact, hot weather can cause side effects such as hot flashes for people with cancer. Dehydration can cause vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea. Also, sweat can cause itchiness whilst wearing wigs. Thus, wearing headwear is a more practical alternative.
So, here are some top tips on ways to beat the summer heat when wearing your headscarf:
- Switch wigs for headwear. As mentioned before, this is a much more comfortable option during hot weather. For instance, you may get overheated and start to sweat whilst wearing wigs.
- Invest in headwear made from breathable materials. Cotton and bamboo fabrics are excellent choices as they do not irritate the scalp. In fact, bamboo has very unique properties. For one, it has antiperspirant properties so your sweat evaporates. The bamboo fiber adjusts the temperature of your skin keeping you cool in the heat. Also, it is hypoallergenic. In turn, it is an excellent choice for those undergoing chemotherapy.
Have a browse of our bamboo chemo hats on offer. Not only are they practical, but they are incredibly stylish.
https://www.masumiheadwear.com/product-category/bamboo-chemo-hats/
- Keep hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water to help cool down. Be aware that drinks containing alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration and dizziness. So, it is best to avoid them completely. Stick to good old fashioned H₂O. If this does not appeal to you, try infusing your water with cucumber, or fruits such as lemons. Bear in mind that during chemo, a loss of appetite for food as well as liquids is common. Thus, you must ensure you drink at least 2 liters of water every day. Keep drinking even when you do not feel thirsty. Another way to increase hydration is to consume foods containing high water content. For example, by eating watermelon, strawberries, cucumber, and oranges.
- Stay in the shade: If you do go outdoors, find spots that protect you from the sun’s rays. For example, use large trees as cool shelter when having a picnic.
- Keep indoors during the hottest hours of the day: Between 10 am and 3 pm are the hottest times so you should avoid being outdoors. That way, you avoid overheating and dehydrating.
- Use lightweight summer headscarves: Ensure the headwear and clothes you wear are lightweight. Doing so will allow your skin to breathe and limit the amount you perspire.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes: Covering up will protect your skin and keep you cooler.
- Invest in a handheld water fan that produces misting spray: This is a highly useful gadget to carry around with you. In fact, it is the perfect way to quickly cool you down in the heat. Buy one that charges via USB. That way, you can charge it with ease without having to insert batteries.
- Wear chemo hats with integrated UPF sun protection: Chemo Hats with UPF sun protection can be especially useful to women going through chemo. Experiencing hair loss from alopecia or chemo means your scalp is more exposed. And with chemotherapy, your skin is extra sensitive to the rays of the sun. Thus, it can burn easier. So, it is vital to take extra precautions. For instance, wear suitable headwear. Increased sensitivity to the sun is common. So, Masumi Headwear offers a tasteful range of sun wear.
https://www.masumiheadwear.com/product-category/chemo-hats-upf-sun-protection/
Every item offers UPF sun protection (as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation). It stands for Ultra Violet Protection Factor. In fact, this innovative feature provides UVA and UVB protection. Unlike SPF sunblock, which generally only gives UVB protection. Our styles have 50+ UPF sun protection. It is the highest and offers excellent UV protection. In other words, it blocks 98% of UV. They provide the best experience during warm weather.
- Use sunblock: Apply it to your scalp, neck, and any exposed bits of skin. Use broad-spectrum sunblock as it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Naturally, the higher the protection, the better. So, aim for SPF50+. Your skin will thank you!
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces: Being a chemo patient is highly important for your body to stay cool. So, it’s best to avoid outdoor events during the hottest hours of the day and which do not offer shade. Also, avoid places with high humidity, such as saunas, Bikram yoga classes, steam rooms, and hot tubs.
- Invest in a UV blocking umbrella: This is a particularly practical item to own. You can keep it in the trunk of your car for easy use.
- Wear broad-brimmed sun hats: Naturally, these offer more protection and cover your face, scalp, and neck from the sun’s rays.
- Use a cooling towel: It is made from a fabric that evaporates liquid much quicker than your regular towel. Carrying one around with you will be of great use.
- Use sunglasses: During chemo, it is common to experience increased sensitivity. So, using protective sunglasses will help to protect your eyes. Besides, your wide-brimmed sun hat and glasses will make you look like a Hollywood star.
Hopefully, you find our ways to beat the summer heat in your head scarf to be helpful! Here are three final pointers:
- Please remember to speak to your doctor if you have any other queries or start to feel unwell.
- Regrettably, chemotherapy affects the immune system, so it is best to avoid swimming in lakes. Why? Because our bodies are much more susceptible to infections.
- Be aware of signs of dehydration. They include dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
