Dayspa

OCT 2017

DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.

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T r a i n i n g T h a t W o r [ 60 ] • # dayspamagazine • october 2017 Here are a few of the diff erences you might fi nd with a cancer- aff ected client: COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM "These clients are at greater risk of infection because low white blood cell counts have weakened their immune systems," notes Clinton. What to do: Be scrupulous about hygiene, and take extra care not to break the client's skin. "During chemotherapy the stratum corneum becomes very thin, increasing the risk of skin injury," Clinton warns. "Therapists shouldn't wear jewelry during treatments, and must keep nails short and free of sharp edges." MEDICAL DEVICES People undergoing treatment will sometimes wear a medical device. A port-a-cath, for instance, is implanted near the décolleté area and used to deliver chemotherapy. It may create a visible bump under the skin. What to do: Avoid it. "The device is sutured down to the muscle, and trained therapists should know to work around it," says Currin. "Never work over a medical device." DEFORMITIES AND PROSTHETICS A client may have undergone radical surgery resulting in, say, a large dent around the breast area, or they may have a prosthetic where a body part was removed. What to do: Most treatments can be done for postsurgical cancer clients using modifi ed touch techniques, but the therapist must be psychologically comfortable. Otherwise, "Their discomfort will be communicated and they'll be doing the client a disservice," Currin points out. "Plus, that client will never come back." PETECHIAE AND BRUISING Chemo can cause a low blood platelet count, which leads to bleeding under the skin. Telltale signs: bruises and possibly a petechial rash, which looks like little red or black dots on the surface. What to do: Only a very soft touch should be used, or it might be necessary to postpone the appointment or work in areas not aff ected by this rash, advises Currin. HAND/FOOT SYNDROME Among the debilitating eff ects of chemotherapy is a painful condition called hand/foot syndrome, exhibited by hot, burning and painful hands and feet. What to do: "The contraindications are heat and friction, so no massage," says Currin. "Skin might also be dry and cracked, so try moisturizing with a refreshing mist or patting the skin using cool compresses." LYMPHEDEMA Clients who have had lymph nodes removed have the potential to develop lymphedema, which presents as swelling and redness in aff ected parts of the body. What to do: Anything that causes the skin to redden is a contraindication for areas where lymphedema is present, and services like waxing can tear or burn the aff ected area. HYPERPIGMENTATION Some chemotherapy drugs may result in hyperpigmentation, but the eff ects may be temporary. All chemo drugs tend to leave the skin dry and sensitive. What to do: Aggressive hyperpigmentation products can aggravate chemo-related skin problems. However, a gentle botanical brightener may be appropriate, says Currin. SUDDEN SYMPTOMS Look out for these unexpected signs of distress and, when in doubt, call for medical help. ❥ Compromised breathing, a side eff ect of certain medications ❥ Fever, due to some cancer clients' inability to regulate their own temperature ❥ Lightheadedness, which can result in falls or fainting ❥ Nausea, which may be in response to aromas from products or candles ❥ Any pain, especially sudden Finally, Currin reminds therapists that stamina is a common challenge for clients going through cancer treatments. "Keep protocols short," she advises. "Sometimes the person doesn't realize how taxed their body is. A 'spa day' may wipe them out for the next three days." Training T hat Wor Currin, who teaches in 11 countries, believes that specialized training should be mandatory throughout the spa industry, but we have a long way to go. In Europe there is a designation called "socio-esthetician" that requires students to attend an educational program in which they're taught to work with people who have physical and mental disabilities and diseases. In North America, there's currently no such designation. Educating spa professionals poses some unique challenges because they tend to be very hands-on, visual learners. For this reason, Clinton feels strongly about providing experiential training. "We work with oncology nurse specialists, oncologists, dermatologists, local cancer support centers and sometimes handle with care "By far the most rewarding training I have received as an esthetician was in micropigmentation— specifi cally areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors. It has empowered me to make an impact, to help women feel whole again." —Marie Benson, instructor at Nouveau Contour USA © GETTY IMAGES

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