Spray Tanning Clients Having and Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy

[NailedON]

While looking at a web site Spray Tan Supermarket, HVLP Equipment, Tanning Solution, Popup Cubicle, Extractor Fans they have asection titled "12 Spray Tanning Top Tips".

Under Contra-indications, No. 3 states;

"Clients having undergone chemotherapy/radiation will have no immune system and will be unable to produce chemical reaction with amino acids in the skin. These clients are unable to tan in the natural sun or sunbeds. Such clients should have 12 months clear of any chemotherapy/radiation treatment."

I'm hoping one of you more experienced tanning geeks can help with anymore information in this matter. Does this mean that these clients can not be spray tanned due to their skin not reacting with the solution? This is something is was not aware about.

I finished my radiotherapy treatment a while ago, three weeks after completion I had a spray tan. The solution took very nicely and lasted a good 7 days. Was I lucky, or does this statment above have to be adhered to?

Looking forward to your replies.

Claire X

 

[loubylou]

It will be one of those where we air on the side of caution as clients tend to blame the first thing they can think of when something goes wrong,
it might be likely if they have had radical radiation treatment that their statement is true,
as you will know radical is different from general radiation,
another possibility is if they are not in 100% health then the tan is more likely to not take or go patchy,
i would think it was a cautionary measure,

we advise not to spray tan in the first trimester of a pregnancy and this is to air on the side of caution as the tan may go patchy from the hormone imbalance but plenty of clients insist on the tan and have no problems,
hth :hug:

 

[VillageNails]

It will be one of those where we air on the side of caution as clients tend to blame the first thing they can think of when something goes wrong,
it might be likely if they have had radical radiation treatment that their statement is true,
as you will know radical is different from general radiation,

i'm not a tan expert but was a macmillan nurse for years before my venture into my nail career.
RADICAL radiotherapy is that given with curative intent rather than PALLIATIVE radiotherapy which is used to prolong life and help reduce symptoms.
skin care will be of great importance to these patients as they are often advised to abstain from washing the treated area where possible and must avoid rubbing the area (must only pat or air dry). so no skin exfoliation before their treatment to the the treated area Any lotion or powder used or applied to the treated area MUST be free from any metal compounds whilst treatment is ongoing. (even some baby powders contain metal compounds - also think zinc and castor oil cream!!)
i think a spray tan would be a super morale boster for anyone in this position and they should take advice from their specialist nurse or doctor - who in most cases would ok it - but of course you as experienced tanners will be able to explain about general chances of patchiness etc if in poor health

 

[collin]

i'm not a tan expert but was a macmillan nurse for years before my venture into my nail career.
RADICAL radiotherapy is that given with curative intent rather than PALLIATIVE radiotherapy which is used to prolong life and help reduce symptoms.
skin care will be of great importance to these patients as they are often advised to abstain from washing the treated area where possible and must avoid rubbing the area (must only pat or air dry). so no skin exfoliation before their treatment to the the treated area Any lotion or powder used or applied to the treated area MUST be free from any metal compounds whilst treatment is ongoing. (even some baby powders contain metal compounds - also think zinc and castor oil cream!!)
i think a spray tan would be a super morale boster for anyone in this position and they should take advice from their specialist nurse or doctor - who in most cases would ok it - but of course you as experienced tanners will be able to explain about general chances of patchiness etc if in poor health

Well we all learn something new every day....absolutley wonderfull infomation thanks Tracey :hug:

 

[NailedON]

Thank guys for your replies.

I agree loubylou, I would just treat with caution, as with other conditions. For a chemotherapy patient I personally would prefer to have a letter clearing the tan before I administered one. As for radiotherapy, from my own experience I know the skin can really suffer from dryness. Mine personally coped quiet well as it's like old hide from all the years of abuse from the suns rays, lol! Not anymore though!

I also agree with you Tracy, I think a spray tan would be a great morale booster, it certainly was for me! As these type of cancer treatments can leave the patient feeling very low, if I was going to personally spray tan a client who had completed their radiotherapy treatments I would recommend leaving it for six weeks to let the skin and client's general well being recover.

Something else to consider when doing your consultation as not everyone has necessarily had surgery who receives chemo/radiotherapy and it may not occur to them to tell you they are receiving these treatments.

A big hug for you Tracy during your time as a MacMillan Nurse X

 

[VillageNails]

Thank guys for your replies.

I agree loubylou, I would just treat with caution, as with other conditions. For a chemotherapy patient I personally would prefer to have a letter clearing the tan before I administered one. As for radiotherapy, from my own experience I know the skin can really suffer from dryness. Mine personally coped quiet well as it's like old hide from all the years of abuse from the suns rays, lol! Not anymore though!

I also agree with you Tracy, I think a spray tan would be a great morale booster, it certainly was for me! As these type of cancer treatments can leave the patient feeling very low, if I was going to personally spray tan a client who had completed their radiotherapy treatments I would recommend leaving it for six weeks to let the skin and client's general well being recover.

Something else to consider when doing your consultation as not everyone has necessarily had surgery who receives chemo/radiotherapy and it may not occur to them to tell you they are receiving these treatments.

A big hug for you Tracy during your time as a MacMillan Nurse X

now i've started - you'll never stop me!!
i never addressed the chemo issue. wont go into depth but there is always SOME immune system.
Some chemo drugs can particulary cause skin peeling of the hands and feet (luckily non spray tan areas)
This must be an area of increased questions since there are far more people receiving chemo/radiotherapy than ever before and for prolonged or repeated episodes - so expect more queries like this in the future.

 

[gillian w]

My sister in law has just this week hopefully finished radiotherapy for breast cancer.I never realised it could actually burn the skin to the degree it has, she has areas where the skin has broken open and she has to have burn dressings.There is also a lot of discolouration.I was obviously very naive about the effects.

I would presume though that once everything has settled and healed a spraytan would not do any harm.

 

[NailedON]

Hi Gillian

Your sister in laws skin will recover. I know, I also didn't really take in how strong the radiotherapy treatment is, but I was much luckier, like I said earlier my skin is like hide!

Your sister in law will need to use a very high factor sun cream on the area for at least the first year when exposed to the sun's rays, although she should have been told this already by the team supporting her.

Once her skin has recovered 6-8 weeks yes she would love a spray tan to lift her spirits, best wishes for her recovery

X Ps I love your quote "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain" X