Skin and Hair Care

A patient will not need any special skin care unless he develops acne or dry skin. Generally, he should shower or bathe as often as necessary to keep his skin clean. Most soaps are appropriate.

Acne - Prednisone can cause acne on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. Cyclosporine can make the skin more oily. If acne develops, the patient should wash the area three times per day with a mild soap, scrubbing gently with a clean, wet washcloth. Rinse the soap completely from the skin to leave the pores open and clean.

Ways to control acne:

• Keep hands away from the face and avoid rubbing the affected area. To avoid infections, do not pick or touch the acne.
• Do not use cosmetics.

• Avoid the use of medicated hypoallergenic cosmetics intended to cover acne. Wearing makeup will prevent acne from going away.

• Do not rub or scrub the skin vigorously. This can irritate the skin.

• Avoid soaps that contain creams and oils, because they will aggravate acne.

• Do not use lotions for dry skin.

• If the skin becomes very dry, stop washing those areas temporarily so the skin can recover its natural moistness.

• Do not use RETIN-AŽ (tretinoin cream) on the skin without consulting a physician, because it will increase the sun sensitivity caused by prednisone.

WARNING: Remember that severe or infected acne must be treated by a dermatologist. If acne remains a problem, a member of the transplant team should be contected for advice.

Dry skin care - For problems with dry skin, use a mild soap and apply body lotion after bathing

Cuts and scratches - Wash minor cuts and scratches daily with soap and water. For treatment of large cuts, contact a physician immediately.

Skin growths - The transplant team should be notified if the patient discovers any unusual skin growths, rash, or discoloration.

Hair care - Prednisone will probably affect the condition of hair. Permanent hair dyes, tints, wave lotions, and bleach may cause hair to become brittle and to break. It is recommended that the patient waits until the prednisone dosage is lower than 10 mg per day before having a permanent or coloring the hair. The patient's hairdresser should be advised that the patient is taking prednisone and to use a good conditioner on the patient's hair.

Unwanted hair growth - If facial hair increases, use a hair-removal cream (depilatory). Be sure to follow directions carefully to avoid eye or lip irritation. An alternative is to bleach extra hair growth with a 50% peroxide solution. The patient might consider waxing or electrolysis to remove extra hair. Even if hair growth is excessive, do not alter medication. Contact the transplant team.

Sun exposure - Transplant patients have an increased chance of developing skin and lip cancers. Since the risk increases with time, the patient must always protect his skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun that cause skin cancers.

• Avoid midday (10 am to 3 pm sun, when ultraviolet rays are strongest.

• Wear a hat, long sleeves, and slacks when outdoors unless using a sunscreen.

• Use a sunscreen lotion with sun protective factors (SPF) rated at least 15.

• Use a sunscreen lotion and lip balm every day (rain or shine) and apply to exposed areas, especially face, neck, and hands.

NOTE: Remember that sunscreen lotions wash off. Reapply the lotion as needed, especially after swimming.