What’s going on?

Study Shows Some Polishes Mislabeled

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) sampled 25 nail care products available only from nail salons—twelve of which were labeled as being free of potentially harmful chemicals like toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde. Here are the results:

• 10 of the 12 that claimed to be free of toxins contained toluene, 4 at “dangerously high” levels
• 4 of the 12 that claimed to be free of toxins contained DBP
• 5 of the 7 that claimed to be free of these three toxins actually contained at least one of them at significant levels
• Some of the products that claimed to be toxin free contained higher levels of DBP than those that didn’t make claims

The agency said the products making toxin-free claims that actually contain toxins may violate state laws that require manufacturers to disclose harmful chemicals in their products.

Health Hazards

The DTSC was particularly concerned about these three toxins because they are known as the “toxic trio,” and have been linked with developmental problems, asthma, and other illnesses. Nail salon workers are most at risk, because their level of exposure through inhalation is greater than that of customers, though customers may be at risk as well. Regulators also noted that nail salons are often poorly ventilated, increasing risk of significant exposure.

So serious are these health concerns that some cities, including San Francisco and New York, have passed ordinances to recognize those salons that use products free of the toxic three. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that has been linked to leukemia and lymphatic cancers. Toluene makes the polish look smooth, but can lead to headaches, fatigue, and nausea. DBP is a phthalate that makes nail polish last longer, but has been linked to cancer in animal studies, and with reproductive abnormalities.

Which Products Were They?

Among the products said to be mislabeled were the following:

• Sation 99 basecoat
• Sation 53 red-pink nail color
• Dare to Wear nail lacquer
• Chelsea 650 Baby’s Breath Nail Lacquer
• New York Summer Nail Color
• Paris Spicy 298 nail lacquer
• Sunshine nail lacquer
• Cacie Light Free Gel Basecoat
• Cacie Sun Protection Topcoat
• Golden Girl Topcoat
• Nail Art Top-N-Seal and High Gloss Topcoat

Hopefully this report will help to change the situation so these products are labeled more accurately. But until changes are made, what should you do? My suggestion is that you take your own products to the salon, or go to those salons in San Francisco and New York that are recognized as toxin-free salons. Realize that even those salons that attempt to carry healthier products may still unknowingly be carrying mislabeled brands.

Read my post for some natural nail polish brands, or let our readers know if you have a favorite!

Do you have a favorite non-toxic nail polish? Let us know!

Photo courtesy Krista Bradley via Flickr.com.

Contest give away: look below for this week’s contest—you could win free CV Skinlabs products!

Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp

This super-rescue moisturizer helps instantly soothe and hydrate dry, flushed skin suffering from the post-procedural effects of chemotherapy, microdermabrasion, laser, and chemical peels, leaving skin soft and dewy, with an even tone and healthy radiance.

• Perfect for anyone who wants softer, smoother skin on their face, neck, and scalp, without potentially harmful chemicals.
• Works great for those who are bald, or who are experiencing hair loss, to soothe and moisturize tender skin on the scalp.
• Formulated with the unique Tri-Rescue Complex (turmeric, Reishi mushroom and bisabolol), a combination of three natural ingredients that provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine benefits.
• Helps promote collagen production, firming and smoothing skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Speeds wound healing and reduces redness and itch.
• Cools hot and burned skin, helping to reduce inflammation.
• Contains 99.6% natural content and 57% organic ingredients.

Some of the delicious natural and organic ingredients in this formula include aloe vera, oat extract, jojoba, chamomile, shea butter, vitamin E, and ginger. This lotion is all about calming and soothing dry skin and returning radiance to dull skin!

How is CV SKinlabs Different? A New Standard in Safety

The most important thing for me as I was thinking about this new line of skin care was to create something that people could use without having to worry about reactions, burns, redness, and more—those things that my father suffered from a high-end cream while he was going through cancer treatments. The truth is that a lot of the skin care products out there contain harsh chemicals that can cause reactions—and sometimes even damage—to sensitive skin.

With that in mind, CV Skinlabs has succeeded in developing something unprecedented in the world of skin care—a new standard of safety. Setting the bar extremely high on the safety of the ingredients, the functioning of the packaging, and the thoroughness of the testing has produced products that may be used with full confidence by the general public, and specifically by those with chemical sensitivities, compromised skin, and conditions like eczema and chronic dryness.

• Board certified dermatologist-tested, clinically tested, and hypoallergenic
• Toxicologist-screened for carcinogens, xenoestrogens, and other potentially harmful ingredients
• Extensive micro-challenge, stability, safety, and clinical testing in an independent lab
• Research team of natural formulations chemists and doctors reviewed a multitude of medical journals and used scientific results to exclude ingredients with even remote links to health issues
• Consumer tested on women and men with compromised skin
• Tubes and pumps keep the formulas free of contamination (one way evacuation)
• Proprietary, functional, easy-to-use packaging for anyone suffering from arthritis or neuropathy
• No glass bottles—they can crack, break, and shatter, creating a safety hazard

Who can use these products? Men, women, children, and people who:

• Want to reduce their toxic exposure
• Want skin care free of potentially harmful ingredients like parabens and petroleum products
• Want to nourish their skin with soothing and calming organic and natural ingredients
• Have compromised skin, sensitive skin, or chemical sensitivities
• Have conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
• Have skin battered by medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and medications
• Have fragile, thin, or reactive skin that needs serious, tender care
• Have skin that often reacts to other skin care products
• Have skin allergies
• Need something to calm skin after laser treatments, waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and shaving

GIVEAWAY: WIN CV Skinlabs Products!

For your chance to win a Calming Moisture from CV Skinlabs:

1. Please leave a comment below by midnight (EST) Monday, March 5, 2012 and your name will be included in the drawing.
2. If you’d like another chance to win, “like” our CV Skinlabs Facebook page and leave a comment below the post named “CV Skinlabs Skincare—Introducing Calming Moisture and Contest Giveaway!”
3. Winner will be chosen on Tuesday, March 6!

Stay Tuned!

Win your FREE product next week as we continue to unveil CV Skinlabs one product at a time!

Each week until our launch on March 15, we’ll be holding a giveaway, with the winner taking home FREE CV Skinlabs products.

(Note: Products will not be available until the launch of the line and website on March 15, 2012.)

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter!

I had been working in the beauty industry for over 8 years and hadn’t ever thought to read product labels. No one had ever taught me to do so. This one incident changed everything—I read the label of the product I bought for my dad to find out just what he could have reacted to, and I was shocked to find many potentially harmful chemicals—some even classified as carcinogenic.

Upset and disheartened, I decided right then and there that someday, I was going to create line of skin care products that would be safe for anyone to use, especially people like my father who were going through health challenges that created difficult reactions on their skin, or anyone with compromised skin.

Working on a Dream

After my father passed away, I started work on that dream. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I gathered some top experts around me. These included a toxicologist, a chemist specializing in natural formulations, doctors experienced with the ins and outs of skin care, an experienced product developer, and more. For over a year we engaged in extensive research, and for the next two years we worked on putting together just the right natural and organic ingredients into safe, nourishing formulas that are bio-compatible with skin, yet non-irritating and toxin-free. Today, I’m super excited to be revealing the result of all our efforts.

Introducing: CV Skinlabs
A New Sanctuary of Safety

Who’s It For?

Who can use these products? People who:

• want to reduce their toxic exposure
• want to nourish their skin with ingredients from nature, without the risk of potentially harmful chemicals
• have compromised skin, sensitive skin, or chemical sensitivities
• have conditions like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
• have skin battered by medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and medications
• have fragile, thin, or reactive skin that needs serious tender care
• have skin that often reacts to other skin care products

100% Free of:

The most important thing to me in creating these products was to avoid all the potentially harmful ingredients that are often present in most brands today. CV Skinlabs products are all 100% free of synthetic dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, mineral oil/petrolatum, silicones, propylene glycol, SLS/SLES, PEG/PPG, triclosan, hydroquinone, disodium EDTA, talc and MEA-DEA-TEA—all suspect ingredients when considering the health of the skin and body. (Check out my Ingredients to Avoid list.) Synthetic fragrances are also not allowed, as most are made with a combination of hundreds of chemicals.

Finally, only non-hormone-altering plant extracts provide a light scent to each CV Skinlabs product. And since even organic essential oils can irritate sensitive and fragile skin—while some may have a slight potential to mimic the action of estrogen—they were removed from consideration as well.

Natural and Organic Ingredients

On the other hand, what did we decide to put in these formulations? We wanted to find natural ingredients that had the power to really improve the skin’s condition, so again we spent a lot of time going over the current scientific research out there, and I’m very excited with what we came up with. (Stay tuned to this blog as we reveal more about the ingredients over the next few weeks!)

Ergonomic Bottles and One-Way Evacuation Packaging

In addition to taking extra care with the formulations themselves, we only used one-way evacuation packaging (no jars) to minimize contamination and oxidation of our active ingredients. We also designed and created our own bottles with a firm grip and easy-to-hold shape so that people with neuropathy, arthritis, and other challenges can easily open and work with CV Skinlabs products.

Stay Tuned!

Watch this blog over the next 3 weeks, as we’ll be revealing more about each of the products, plus announcing opportunities for you to win some of them for free! Our shopping website officially launches on March 15, 2012. That’s only a few weeks away! Meanwhile, I’ll be revealing more about the line in the coming weeks—the products themselves, the testing behind them, the ingredients, and what our early clinical testers had to say.

Check back—starting next week, we’ll hold a weekly contest, and the winner will receive FREE products!

Don’t forget to like our CV Skinlabs pages on Facebook and Twitter!

A clinical trial examined the effects on nails from “docetaxel,” a particular type of chemotherapy drug that is known to cause nails to become brittle or discolored in about 40 percent of patients, and to become infected in about 3 percent. Researchers gave over 40 cancer patients an “Elasto-Gel” flexible glove (made by Southwest Technologies, Inc.) to wear while they were getting treated, to see if it would have any effect on their nails. The glove contained glycerin to retain the cold, like a hand-shaped ice pack. Patients wore the glove on one hand for 90 minutes, before, during, and after intravenous infusion of docetaxel. Halfway through, the gloves were swapped for new ones to be sure they stayed cold enough. The other hand was left unprotected.

Here’s the exciting news: two-thirds of the gloved hands were free of skin problems! I’m not talking just nails here, but other common side effects too, like hand/foot syndrome and dry, oozing skin. Yet minor problems occurred in over 40 percent of the unprotected hands. Ann O’Mara of the National Cancer Institute’s Community Clinical Oncology Program said the results were “striking,” and over 80 percent of the patients said they were satisfied with the treatment.

I know your next question—can I get ahold of one of these gloves? The answer is yes. You can get one as easily as ordering it from Amazon. The bad news? It will cost you about $100. You can try the ice and frozen veggies instead, and they may work just as well—we just don’t know because there are no studies behind those methods. My guess is that what really matters is keeping your hands cold enough during the entire infusion. Ice melts, and veggies thaw. The researchers even swapped out gloves to keep the study participants’ hands cold enough.

If you want to protect your skin during treatment—and why wouldn’t you?—try this method, however you decide to do it. Have someone go with you and help you to keep replacing your ice, veggies, or gloves, so you keep them cool enough. It’s a small price to pay to escape the suffering caused by dark and infected nails, dry skin, and open sores on your hands.

Have you tried something like this to escape side effects on your hands? Please share your story.

Sources

1. Florian Scotté, et al. “Multicenter Study of a Frozen Glove to Prevent Docetaxel-Induced Onycholysis and Cutaneous Toxicity of the Hand.” Journal of Clinical Oncology 23 (19): 4424-4429 (July 1, 2005).

Photo courtesy eldercarelinkCare via Flickr.com.

I recently found out about a report that’s got me thinking. Published in the Archives of Dermatology (2009; 145(4)), it raised a concern about those UV lights that are used in nail salons. For those of you who may not know, the UV is added to the dryer fan to add to the convenience of your visit so you don’t have to sit there forever waiting for the polish to dry.

I never thought about it before, but UV light is UV light—the same stuff that’s in sunlight and tanning beds. In other words, it’s the same stuff that increases your risk of skin cancer the more you’re exposed to it—alarming to me since I go get manicures weekly! (I bring my own non-toxic Aquarella nail polish, of course.)

The lead author of the report is Deborah F. MacFarlane, M.D. She started getting concerned when a couple of her patients with skin cancer on their hands admitted that they regularly had their nails done. Both had used the UV nail lights. Dr. MacFarlane wondered: could there be a connection?

“A common piece of equipment found in almost all nail salons is the UV nail lamp,” she writes in her report. “The UV emitted from the nail lights is predominantly UV-A, similar to tanning beds.” She goes on to say that these lights are used to cure UV gel nails, to dry traditional nail polish, and for UV top sealers or topcoats formulated to protect the nail. Exposure to UV light is a major risk factor for the development of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers, and we already know that tanning beds can damage DNA and cause skin cancers.

Dr. MacFarlane is the first to say that her observations are certainly not proof. She’s talking about two cases here, which isn’t nearly enough on which to base a conclusion. “Although no strong conclusions can be made from this limited case series,” she writes, “we suggest that exposure to UV nail light might also be considered when assessing potential skin cancer risks….”

It makes sense, right? I write about these things on my blog to create awareness about the possible dangers of certain chemicals so that you feel empowered to make an educated decision. Of course, cancer isn’t going to show up on everyone who uses the UV lights. But certain people who may already be at risk might want to take this report into consideration—people with a family history of cancer, or who go to the salon on a regular basis. It’s easy enough to avoid this particular danger—just air dry your nails, avoid UV-related products like gels and sealers, or simply turn off the UV light on the fan machine. It’s as easy as a click.

Personally, I’m glad to have become aware of this potential connection, and now I always turn off the UV light on my dryer!

Have you heard about this possible connection? What do you think?

Photo courtesy the lotus eaters via Flickr.com.

It’s called MMA, or methyl methacrylate, and if you like acrylic nails, you may be exposed to it.

Used in the manufacture of plastics and resins, MMA is qualified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Exposure to the skin can result in allergic reactions. Short-term and long-term exposure via inhalation can cause respiratory problems, including coughing and wheezing, as well as neurological symptoms. Exposure in animals has led to fetal abnormalities.

Doesn’t sound like something you’d want on your nails, right? Yet many nail salons are using it as a bonding element in acrylics. Why? It’s cheap and it’s strong. It will hold the acrylic to your nail, all right, but it could also cause you to lose your own nail! The adhesive is so strong that painful breakage and infections can result. It’s so difficult to remove that it often has to be pried from the nail plate, causing more damage. Several customers have complained of allergic and other reactions to the chemical.

“It was the worst experience I’ve had,” said customer Debbi Bartram. “It just got progressively worse and eventually my nails fell off.”

MMA has been banned in New York State, and the FDA stated it “considers MMA to be a poisonous and deleterious substance,” warning manufactures that “further use of MMA in nail enhancement products” is “inappropriate.” The Nail Manufacturers Council agrees with the FDA and states “anyone who manufactures, sells, or distributes these potentially dangerous substances is breaking the law and endangering your health.”

You’d think with all these warnings that the chemical would be long gone from nail products and salons, but unfortunately, because it’s so much cheaper than the safer alternative ethyl methacrylate (EMA), some products and salons are still using it. Since it’s prohibited, most likely you won’t find it on the label, so how can you protect yourself?

First, use your nose. When you enter your nail salon, how does it smell? Especially if you’re used to the typical odors of a salon, the unusually strong or strange odor of MMA may stand out. Second, ask to check out the products the technicians use. If they’re using an unmarked or unlabeled container, beware. Third, take notice of your acrylic nails. If you find them especially hard and difficult to file, you may have had MMA applied as an adhesive. Fourth, if your nails won’t soak off in solvents designed to remove acrylics, that’s another warning sign. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, watch out for discount pricing. Salons that are able to charge you only $25 for a set of acrylic nails, for example, can make a profit only by using MMA. Safe sets are usually priced at $40 or more.

If you suspect MMA is being used at your nail salon, report your suspicions to the State Cosmetology Board or contact the Nail Manufacturers Council of the American Beauty Association. Better yet, to ensure your safety—especially if you’re going through cancer treatments—avoid acrylic nails entirely.

Have you had an allergic or other reaction you suspect is linked to MMA? Please share your story.

Photo courtesy Tis Cosentino via Flickr.com.

A trio of chemicals is most likely to blame—toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyle phthalate (DBP) found in most polishes and removers. We told you about them in a former post—how they’ve been linked to reproductive abnormalities, nausea, headaches, dizziness, eye and lung irritation, shortness of breath, and even cancer. As with most things, low exposure may not hurt you, but salon workers are coming in contact with these chemicals 8-10 hours a day, up to six days a week.

The California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP) has taken action to determine just what sort of danger nail salon workers may be in, with the intention of eventually finding out whether or not their increased exposure to chemicals in nail products may be increasing their risk for cancer. “Nail salon workers, in particular,” reports the Asian Health Services in research supported by CBCRP, “have been the focus of health concerns because they routinely handle nail care products containing organic solvents, some of which can cause cancer or affect a woman’s endocrine system….In the coming year, we intend to assess breast cancer rates in this workforce and specifically among Vietnamese workers. We will compare these rates to that of the general female population to answer our first research question: Do nail salon workers have higher breast cancer rates than the general population in California?”

In addition to the cancer question, CBCRP has been investigating other health effects of cosmetic chemical exposure. Findings from their pilot study in 2005 showed that many Vietnamese immigrant workers in the salon industry reported acute health effects and concerns related to workplace chemicals, including skin and eye irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, and asthma. Since over 80% of California’s nail salons are owned and run by Vietnamese workers, these findings are significant.

What’s particularly discouraging about this is that it’s so unnecessary. There are already several alternative types of nail polish that are made without these dangerous chemicals, and some are already being used in select salons. (See our post mentioned earlier for some options.) The problem lies in educating customers and workers as to the dangers, and increasing demand for these safer products.

“There are readily available, safe products like Go Natural polishes and removers,” says Luanne Bradley, writing for AlterNet on the topic. “But so far for most salon workers, and customers, convention has superseded the health of women. Convincing the $35 billion cosmetics industry to voluntarily commit to reformulating its products is proving harder than getting squeezed in for a last-minute mani-pedi appointment at noon on a Saturday.”

It’s not like other countries haven’t done it. The EU has already banned all phthalates from its cosmetics products.

What to do? If you’re a customer, consider taking along your own non-toxic nail polish to your appointment. If you’re a salon worker, take extra safety precautions. Wear a mask while applying polish, consider protecting your hands with gloves, and take frequent breaks to wash and get some fresh air.

Do you know of other organizations trying to raise awareness of this issue? Please let us know.

Photo courtesy loupiote (Old Skool) via Flickr.com.

“I completed my chemo 1/4/09,” says fighter CTML. “For the last 5 days I have been having numbness/tingling in my feet.”

Foot problems and discomforts that linger after treatment is over are fairly common in the post-chemo world. They differ from person to person, however, depending on the drugs that were used, how long chemo treatment is given, and the person’s individual response to the treatment.

Here are a few side effects you may experience in the feet after treatment, and some potential solutions.

Numbness/tingling. This is usually the result of nerve damage in the small nerve fibers in the feet, and can show up even months after treatment is over. Ask your doctor about drugs that work on nerve pain, like carbamazepime and gabapentin. You can also try massage, warm towels wrapped around the feet, vitamin B supplements, non-toxic lotions, acupuncture, over-the-counter pain relievers, or a topical capsaicin cream. Avoid tight-fitting shoes, and if you are feeling numbness, make sure you protect your feet with socks and shoes at all times.

Dry, itchy skin. Itchy skin can be caused by cancer treatments or the cancer itself. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and use water-soluble moisturizers (not oil-based ointments) to keep skin from drying out. Protect feet from the cold and wind, and try cold or warm packs for 20 minutes at a time. If your feet are super dry, apply lotion at night before bed and cover up with breathable, cotton socks. For severe itching, ask your doctor about anesthetic lotions or steroid creams.

Brittle, dark nails. Cancer treatments can turn nails brittle, and cause discoloration. Regularly apply a moisturizing cuticle cream to nourish new nail growth, and use toxin-free nail polish if you’re sporting open-toed sandals.

Joint soreness. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect joints and bone, creating pain. Try anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and ask your doctor about medications. Then consider a natural joint supplement that contains glucosamine and herbal lubricators to restore joint comfort. Choose gentle exercises that don’t increase pressure on foot joints, like swimming, yoga, and pilates.

General soreness. A study published in Applied Nursing Research showed that foot reflexology had a positive, immediate affect for cancer patients who reported foot pain. Try it! Another fighter recommends 500 mg/day of L-Glutamine.

Hand/Foot Syndrome (HFS). HFS is a skin reaction that appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet as a result of chemo treatments. It may show up as tingling or numbness, or swelling, redness, peeling skin, and tenderness and pain. If you’re experiencing HFS, check with your doctor. In addition, oncolink.org recommends you avoid tight-fitting socks and stockings, wear comfortable shoes, avoid things that put pressure on your feet, like hard-impact sports, apply thick moisturizer often, and avoid water that is too hot. Try ice packs to deal with the pain, consider supplementing with Vitamin B6 (50–150 mg per day), and try over-the-counter medications.

As you’re seeking solutions, remember that for most people, foot side effects do eventually subside. “I had that soreness after Taxotere for months,” says survivor Phoenix, “but it did go away. A year after chemo I thought I was completely better generally, but now I know it wasn’t true; it takes a long time and each year that passes you feel a bit better than before.”

Have you experienced lingering side effects on your feet? Tell us your story.

Photo courtesy McBadger via Flickr.com.

To help you deal with these troubling symptoms, we’ve gathered a few recommendations. Whatever you may be experiencing, be sure to tell your doctor. Even if you don’t think it could be connected to your cancer treatments, it often is, and your doctor may be able to help.

Lingering Numbness & Tingling: According to Dr. V. K. Gadi, writing for Everyday Health, Taxol (paclitaxel) is associated with neuropathy (numbness), and also weakening of the reflexes. Sometimes just waiting it out will result in an improvement. Physical therapy may also help. Other survivors recommend massage, acupuncture, and supplements like vitamin B and glutamine (10 grams 2-3 times a day). Mark Stengler, MD and contributor to Daily Health News, recommends acetyl-L-carnitine, a natural substance that can have a regenerative affect on the nerves, along with a B-complex vitamin, vitamins E and C, selenium, and pycnogenol (an antioxidant). Read our other post for more natural recommendations.

Split Nails: Chemotherapy can cause nails to split, sometimes all the way to the bed. Try a cuticle cream at night, to nourish and hydrate the growing nail. (Burt’s Bees has a nice one.) File frequently to eliminate any hangnails or rough edges. Some survivors also recommend Evonail, a French-made nail hydrator that helps rejuvenate split, brittle nails. Protect hands with rubber gloves when doing household chores, and be cautious when using nail products. See our post for more information.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: According to drugs.com, carpal tunnel syndrome is included in the Arimidex list of possible side effects. If you suspect you may have it (symptoms include burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers), check with your doctor. Several non-surgical treatments are available, like anti-inflammatory drugs, coricosteroids, or natural solutions like stretching and strengthening exercises, acupuncture and chiropractic care. Surgical options may also be an option for more severe cases.

Dry, Rough Hands: Most chemotherapy treatments leave skin dry and rough, particularly on the hands. Extremely dry skin can cause itching, irritation, flakiness, and possible open wounds. “One of the more annoying side effects of chemo they didn’t talk about,” says survivor kendrak, “was how dry my hands were—to the point of cracking.” First, wear gloves—often! Gloves when you’re cleaning, gloves when it’s cold outside, gloves whenever you feel the need. Soft cotton gloves can serve as general protectors. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm to wash, and pat (don’t rub) hands dry. Use only sensitive, organic cleansers, and try heavy-duty moisturizers. Avoid fragranced products, bubble bath, soap, and antibacterial products.

Have you had a lingering side effect on your hands? Tell us your story.

Photo courtesy Box of Light via Flickr.com.

The bugs that can live in footbaths are commonly found in dirt, dust, and water supplies—but they’re nasty little critters. According to “Nails Magazine,” California has had several outbreaks where people suffered pus-filled sores all over their lower legs. (The infection had to be treated with strong antibiotics.) The breakout looked something like insect bites, or pimples, that gradually grew in size and severity.

The cause was traced back to bacteria from pedicures performed weeks or even months before the sores showed up. Nearly 200 people were affected, and similar problems have now showed up in other states, including Georgia, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, and Arizona.

It’s not just that technicians aren’t cleaning the spas. Sometimes, they may not clean them frequently enough, but more often, they don’t clean them correctly. Proper cleaning involves several steps that include draining the tub, rinsing thoroughly, cleaning with the right surfactant, and disinfecting with a hospital-grade disinfectant. A more complete cleaning should be done every night (to clean filters), with thorough disinfecting every couple weeks. Companies should keep logs, to be sure the cleaning is completed as intended, and should be sure they’re using the right cleaners for the types of foot spas they have. Oftentimes, technicians are unaware of the manufacturer’s requirements, and use cleaners that aren’t strong enough to break down the oil buildup on the spa, including leftover lotion and skin oils. Bacteria can also become trapped in filters, jets, and drains, which need to be regularly flushed out.

If you’re going through cancer treatments, to safeguard your health, we suggest avoiding pedicure salons altogether. If you get a pedicure from a loved one, be sure that your spa is very clean, and don’t shave beforehand. Tiny nicks and cuts are perfect entryways for bugs. Even if you have insect bites, wait until they’ve healed.

When treatments are over and you go back to the salon, remain cautious. Mama’s Health recommends you ask the manager how often the footbaths are cleaned and what products are used to clean them. Don’t allow the technician to trim your toenails, and take your own tools for filing and cuticle-pushing. (No cuticle-cutting allowed!) Make sure the spa is licensed, and that technicians wash their hands frequently. If you have any doubts, leave the salon and find a better one. For anyone with a compromised or recovering immune system, pedicures can be a risky treatment, so either do them at home, or be positive that your salon is squeaky clean.

What do you think about pedicures? Do you have any important experiences to share?

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

“I finished Chemo Nov 08 but still have the pain in my feet,” says survivor Kim.

“I finished chemo in Oct 08,” says Kinden, “and still have sore feet….For me it is inside the skin, not really on the outside.”

Sore feet can be the result of a side effect called “hand-foot syndrome,” or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). (Read our post on PPE.) Certain types of chemotherapy drugs (like Xeloda, 5FU, Doxil, and more) cause the condition by leaking out of small blood vessels in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. The leakage results in redness, tenderness, and sometimes peeling.

The symptoms of PPE can eventually cause swelling of the palms and soles as well, and in severe cases, move into blistering. In these cases treatment may be delayed or drug dosage reduced until symptoms subside. In the meantime, patients should report any discomfort to the doctor as soon as possible (to prevent worsening of symtoms), and ask about possible medications.

There are several things you can do at home to reduce discomfort from PPE. Avoid long exposure to hot water, use ice packs or frozen veggies on the bottoms of feet, try thicker moisturizers like organic Chamomile Hand Cream or Suki’s Butter Cream Healing Salve for cracking and peeling, and use over-the-counter pain relievers. Vitamin B6 is reputed to help reduce symptoms (100 mg a day), as is elevating the legs or using compression socks if you have swelling. In addition, avoid pressure on your hands and feet, limit rubbing, and put off hot showers and sun exposure.

Writer and breast-cancer fighter Monique Doyle Spencer recommends henna powder. “If you get a burning feeling in your feet from your therapy, this will cool it,” she says. Find the recipe at her blog. Other fighters recommend swabbing the feet with heavy cream, then slipping on soft socks for 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight.

Wear shoes that fit well. Women, especially, need to be more cautious than usual when choosing footwear. We have many styles and fashions that look great, but aren’t great for our feet. See a podiatrist if you need to, get some cooling insoles, and choose brands that are well made and well ventilated.

PPE isn’t the only cause of cancer-related sore feet. Sometimes, it’s caused by nerve damage, or what’s known as neuropathy (numbness and tingling caused by chemo drugs). Your doctor may have medications such as Lyrica and Neurontin you can try. Wear shoes with rubber soles to help you avoid falling (if your balance is iffy). The coolness of the “Chillow Pillow” may help you sleep, particularly if you have restless legs and feet. If you can, turn to swimming for exercise so you can get the pressure off your feet. Some studies have shown acupuncture to be beneficial, as well. Jean Lazar, massage therapist and Cinco Vidas expert, strongly recommends massage. A one-hour foot massage has helped many of her patients get back on their feet.

For most patients, foot soreness does eventually go away, but sometimes it can take longer than you’d like. As survivor Phoenix says, “After a year after chemo I thought I was completely better generally, but now I know it wasn’t true; it takes a long time and each year that passes you feel a bit better than before.”

Do you have recommendations for easing the pain of sore feet? Please let us know.

Photo courtesy of Messa via Flickr.com.

Chemotherapy raises the odds of infection. As we mentioned in our post about white blood cell count, chemo taxes the immune system and makes patients more susceptible to bugs and germs everywhere.

If you’re going through treatment, be hyper-vigilant about cleanliness, and avoid crowded and busy areas that may harbor extra bacteria. Did you know one of those places is the nail spa? It’s true—spas can be teeming with germs. According to CBSnews.com, “American Idol’s” Paula Abdul suffered an infection from a manicure that caused her to lose her thumbnail—and her immune system wasn’t compromised by cancer! So if you’re dying to get a new mani this summer, take a few precautions to keep yourself well.

First of all, don’t allow the technician to cut off your cuticles. They protect the nail bed from germs. Cutting them away leaves you open to infection, and puts you at risk from sharp cutting tools, so allow push-backs only, with a soft instrument.

Second, steer clear of artificial nails for now. As we mentioned in a former post, they’re rumored to carry more germs than natural nails (which have enough by themselves), because the space behind the acrylic nails and wraps harbor and trap bacteria. These bacteria are known to stick around even after careful hand washing, so spice up your own nails and leave the fake ones alone.

Next, invest in your own tools and non-toxic polishes, and always take them along! Avoid nail clippers completely, as they harbor a lot of germs and may cut open the skin. Stick to a file. Pack your own cuticle pusher and buffer as well, to protect yourself from community germs. Don’t forget the polish. Most nail spas pay little attention to the toxic chemicals present in polishes and polish removers—plus the bottles themselves can harbor germs—so follow the advice of our former post and purchase safer brands like Dr. Remedy Nail Products and Tate’s Natural Miracle Odorless Nail Polish Remover.

What about the spa? Most of us go to the one most conveniently located, but it’s wiser to do a little research to make sure you’re going to a quality place. If it looks dirty (check the restrooms and workstations), go somewhere else. Make sure state licenses are in plain view, and watch to see how frequently and thoroughly technicians sanitize their tools—and their own hands. Baths and sinks should be thoroughly cleaned with antibacterial products and plenty of water after every customer, else they can harbor germs, pieces of skin, and hair. Typically, those salons that are professional looking with licensed cosmetologists are safer than drop-in corner shops, but use your own judgment.

Finally, respect how you feel during the manicure. If anything hurts or stings, speak up. Don’t allow the technician to use anything sharp on you, including razors, blades, or callus files. Ask for those specialists who are particularly gentle, and mention your need for sensitive care. If you don’t feel comfortable at anytime, ask for another technician, or find another salon.

Of course, you can always set up your own manicure at home with a friend or loved one, and enjoy the same benefits. Essortment.com has some great general recommendations, and writer Janice Wee tells you how to host your next at-home manicure party.

Do you have tips on how to get pretty nails while avoiding infection? Please share your stories.

Photo courtesy of Edmund North Orchestra Boosters via Flickr.com.

Contributing author to HealthTruthRevealed.com Greg Ciola explains the danger petroleum can present in the work place (as well as in our bathroom cabinets): “Auto mechanics are warned that long-term exposure to petroleum products can cause skin cancer and other skin maladies…yet we’re led to believe by the cosmetics industry that these products clean and moisturize your skin.” Unfortunately, many physicians continue to recommend petroleum-based products (such as moisturizing creams or ointments) to cancer patients, without realizing the dangers. The author of the blog “Avoiding Cancer One Day At a Time” adds that if petroleum products use fossil fuels (which accumulate and damage our environment), why do we want to put those ingredients on our skin?

Recent studies reported by the Chemtox website suggest stunning side effects of toxic petroleum ingredients: “Petroleum based chemicals are being found to cause significant attritional effects to the nervous system and immune system after prolonged exposure. Illnesses identified in the medical research include adult and child cancers, numerous neurological disorders, immune system weakening, autoimmune disorders [and more].”

An additional study performed by the Susan Lehman Cullman Labratory for Cancer Research found that mice—that had contracted skin cancer from weeks of ultraviolet light exposure—increased their tumor rate from 24% to 95% in 17 weeks after consistent applications of name-brand moisturizers. (Placebo creams had no effect.) Researchers believe that two of the petroleum-derived ingredients found in the moisturizers (sodium lauryl sulfate and mineral oil) promote UVB-induced tumor growth. This means that although many cancer sufferers and fighters believe they are helping their skin by treating with daily moisturizers, they may actually be harming themselves with toxic chemicals.

Petroleum ingredients appear in many common cosmetic products and cleansers, and can be listed as any number of petroleum derivatives. By-products most commonly include mineral oil, paraffin gel, propylene glycol, or PVP/VA Copolymere. Research done by the Environmental Working Group adds that, “Many of the cosmetic industry’s chemical safety assessments reveal that common petroleum-based cosmetic ingredients can be contaminated with a cancer-causing impurity called 1,4-dioxane.” According to natural-product producer Aurora Group, petroleum can be used in everything from lip gloss (as petroleum oil) to nail polish (as solvents like toluene).

Luckily, there are safe alternatives available, so try researching organic and all-natural moisturizing products that are free from chemical and toxic ingredients. The best alternatives to petroleum-based formulas are natural butters like shea and coco; oils like olive, castor and jojoba; and waxes like beeswax and caranuba. We love Alba’s Un-Petroleum Jelly or click here to make your own petroleum jelly alternative at home (only 3 ingredients needed). Other good petro-chemical-free brands are Dr. Bronner and Pangea Organics. Read labels before purchasing a product, or try researching cosmetic brands at the Environmental Working Group’s website. Check out our list of toxic ingredients to avoid here.

* Do you look out for petroleum in your beauty products? How do you avoid this ingredient, or what do you recommend instead?

Photo courtesy of Amazon.

That sharp odor comes from a mix of alcohol, solvents and resins that gives polish its ability to adhere to the nail, deliver the pigment, and resist chipping and peeling. Unfortunately, with repeated exposure, several of these ingredients are highly toxic as well as pungent, especially to sensitive and compromised nails. But since treatment may be leaving your nails brittle and discolored, you’ll probably want to cover up with nail polish. Is there an alternative?

Browse the nail-polish aisle and you’ll find a lot of pretty names like Siberian Nights and Shanghai Shimmer, but the words in the ingredient lists are significantly less flattering. Many brands contain chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde, and some still contain Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)—though the European Union has banned it from their cosmetics.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found DBP and other phthalates—which have been associated with reproductive abnormalities—in the bloodstream of every person they tested, but still the FDA has taken no action to ban the ingredient. The Environmental Working Group attributed the presence of DBP in young woman to the use of nail polish, and warned moms to stay away. Fortunately, many major manufacturers are beginning to create formulas without this toxic ingredient.

Toluene, when inhaled in large doses, has been reported to cause extreme fatigue, mental confusion, nausea, headache and dizziness. As for formaldehyde, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends it be handled as a potential occupational carcinogen. Lab studies have shown rats exposed to the vapors developed nasal cancer. Even simple inhalation can cause throat irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath, and the chemical is known to absorb into the skin.

And then we have the polish removers. Full of things like acetone (known to irritate the eyes and lungs) and ethyl acetate (highly flammable, can lead to neurological damage), they tend to dry skin and nails, making your hands look worse. None of this sounds so pretty after all, does it?

Thankfully, we can avoid these chemicals and still have pretty nails. As long as your nails aren’t broken or exposing wounded skin, we encourage you to use nail polish, but opt for safer formulas. Gentler products do exist, and they’re usually labeled “water-based” and/or claim to be free of these dangerous chemicals. Some examples: Honeybee Gardens WaterColors and Odorless Nail Polish Remover, Dr. Remedy Nail Products (love this brand!), Acquarella Water Color, No Miss “Almost Natural” Nail Polish Remover, Tate’s Natural Miracle Odorless Nail Polish Remover, Peacekeeper Natural Nail Polish, and SunCoat products.

To determine the toxic rating on your favorite polish, check out the Safe Cosmetics listing of many popular brands. And if you’re getting your nails manicured, make sure to take your gentler polish and remover with you—you’re more likely to avoid infection and stay safe.

Have some non-toxic nail polishes or removers to recommend? Let us know!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village

We’ve covered in other posts the dangers of toxic ingredients in skin-care and cosmetic products (especially if you’re going through treatment). Buying organic is one of the easiest ways to reduce your toxic overload. “But they’re so expensive,” you may say. Not always. Research and consultancy company Organic Monitor says that organic cosmetics are not necessarily more expensive than traditional products, and are often a lot cheaper than those in the premium category.

However, there’s no doubt you can find cheaper products. The question is, how much is your health and recovery worth to you? Applying cheap stuff to your face (like petroleum-based products), hands, hair, and body is a lot like eating fast food every day. It’s inexpensive, and it’s food, but it’s not good for you—and as we’re now finding out, it can often lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Studies are discovering that toxins in our personal-care products are similarly dangerous. (Read our post on “Toxins and Skincare 101” or click here to read the “Toxic Truth” about out beauty industry.) Unfortunately, nobody’s banning the bad stuff, so it’s up to us to be more diligent about what we’re using.

What does “organic” mean, exactly? Similar to the way organic foods avoid high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and the like, in favor of “real” ingredients like cane sugar, whole grains, and organically grown vegetables, truly organic cosmetics avoid toxic ingredients, preservatives and dyes in favor of more natural pigments, organically grown botanical extracts, minerals, and plant-based waxes. These ingredients—because they have to meet set standards from growth to pesticide use to processing to production—require more resources and labor-intensive processes, and can thereby be a little more expensive.

Products can either contain some organic ingredients, or carry a seal that signifies most of the ingredients are certified organic. You can learn more about the various certification seals in future posts to come but if you see one (like the USDA green-and-white seal), you can be sure the product is safe.

Jumping through all the hoops to get a seal can be an expensive and time-consuming process, however. Consequently, there are many companies that don’t carry one, yet still use a lot of organic ingredients. Then again, some products that say “natural” or organic may contain one natural ingredient along with  several harmful ones. Bottom line: Read labels, look for minimal chemicals, and refer to the Cosmetic Database to check your product’s safety or click here to read our top 21 ingredients to avoid.

There’s no better time than when you’re going through cancer treatment to give organic a try. There are probably many changes you’ve had to make to live a healthier life—and changing your skincare is not as hard or overwhelming as you think. The aisles of whole-foods markets and health-food stores are filled with organic personal-care items. You’re willing to make some changes for the planet’s health. You may have even started eating organic food, or buying organic for your pets. How about taking care of what goes on (and into) your skin? It’s all part of lessening the toxic overload, getting on the road to recovery, and staying healthy.

Have a story to tell about how organic and natural products changed your personal-care regime? Do tell!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village

Even small things like buttoning your shirt can be difficult when you suffer from this syndrome.

As if chemotherapy isn’t bad enough, we now have to deal with irritated hands and feet? It can get so bad that we may not be able to button our own shirts, open up a jar or successfully maintain our daily tasks.

Hand-foot syndrome (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia or PPE) is the result of chemotherapy or biologic drugs leaking into the capillaries of your outer extremities, like the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet. It can cause irritating symptoms like redness, pain and tenderness. Dryness and cracking may occur in areas, in addition to a numbing or tingling sensation. Several chemotherapy drugs can cause these side effects, including Xeloda and Doxil. (The Care First list has more syndrome-causing drugs.) Luckily, there are many simple tips that can help you cope with this troubling side effect.

First, try to prevent the occurrence altogether. At the beginning of your chemotherapy, avoid anything that causes heat or friction near these areas for at least a week after exposure to cancer-treatment drugs. Stop activities like prolonged baths or exposure to warm water, vigorous exercise or unnecessary walking, everyday chores (like washing dishes, cooking, gardening), and anything that rubs the surface of the skin (like using Band-Aids). This is the perfect time to start moisturizing hands and feet to help prevent and ease the symptoms. We like the natural therapeutic hand cream by Burt’s Bees, which can be used with gloves and socks during nighttime to seal in moisture.

If hand-foot syndrome has already developed, try to make the area colder by using ice packs periodically. Soaking the affected areas in lukewarm water and Epsom salts helps alleviate pain. Applying a thick, toxin-free gel that has been cooled in the refrigerator may also bring relief. (We like Eco Essentials Cooling Gel.) Be mindful not to rub the lotion, but gently apply or pat into the skin. The writer of Shin’s Cancer Blog recommends using a recipe for natural henna paste, because she believes it helped alleviate her own pain and peeling after chemotherapy.

If you prefer dietary remedies instead, Cancer Consultants recommends adding an additional supplement to your nutritional routine. A recent clinical trial showed that taking vitamin B6 helped reduce the intensity of hand-foot syndrome in patients. If you have a severe case of hand-foot syndrome (including puss-oozing, open wounds), consult your healthcare professional before seeking any form of treatment.

Cancer fighters from the Breast Cancer Action website suggest an assortment of personalized tips, including: “Dry hands and feet with a towel by patting (no rubbing), stay off your feet, use chilled bags of vegetables for ice packs, or slip gel insoles from the freezer into your shoes.” Above all, it’s important to remember to work closely with your healthcare provider to address the severity of your symptoms, which may lead to the adjustment in the strength of your treatment.

* How do you deal with hand-foot syndrome? Give us your advice for alleviating pain and preventing problems, or simply share your story!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village.

“The reason nails are affected is identical to the reason hair is affected,” reports the Breastcaresite.com. “Cancerous tumors are made up of rapidly dividing cells, which chemotherapy targets. But rapidly dividing cells are also crucial to the formation of hair and nails, and chemotherapy is unable to distinguish these ‘good’ cells from the cancerous ones that it seeks to destroy.”

Cancer treatments can leave nails discolored, grooved, and brittle. Sometimes, nails can separate from the nail bed, start falling off, or turn black. Extremely dry cuticles can cause hangnails that, if not properly addressed, can lead to infection.

If you’re a woman, your first instinct may be to get your nails fixed. A wrap. Acrylic nails. Anything to make them look better. Harley Haynes, M.D., a dermatologist with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, warns you to resist. The space created behind acrylic nails and wraps often harbor and trap bacteria, which can lead to an infection—the last thing your body needs.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do. First, keep your nails short and filed smooth. Next, wear gloves. Around the house, they’ll protect against harsh chemicals in cleaning products. (Changing to natural cleaners will lessen your contact with toxins that can cause skin reactions.) Household gloves also protect from excess water, which can be drying. Outside, they’ll help shield against the elements, particularly from wear and tear when you’re gardening or doing yard work.

Next, switch from regular soap to a sulfate-free moisturizing hand wash. (We love California Baby Calendula Moisturizing Hand Wash.) These gentle cleansers will help moisturize your dry and possibly chapped hands. Dry by patting with a towel. Don’t rub, tug or pull, as your skin is sensitive and can be quite fragile.

After washing, apply lotion and cuticle oil. (A favorite: chemical-free Herbal Cuticle Oil Pen). Reapply as often as needed. At night, slather your hands and feet with a rich emollient cream or balm (like Nothing Nasty’s Hand Cream), apply your cuticle balm or oil, and then slip on cotton gloves or socks. Cotton gloves can be purchased from your drugstore for a few dollars, or go to Amazon to see a full selection.

Here’s something else you may want to try: keep your fingers in ice water or immersed in a frozen bag of vegetables during your treatment. Some studies have shown that keeping nails cool during sessions can help reduce damage, as it makes it harder for the drugs to reach them.

Remember: taking extra care of your nails is important not just for vanity, but to avoid infection, and to keep your fingers and toes protected and healthy. So pamper away! (This means you too, guys!)

Are there any products that have helped your fragile nails and hands? Please tell us about them!

Photo courtesy of Flicker