Bio-Oil helping breast cancer patients reduce appearance of scars

Bio-Oil helping breast cancer patients reduce appearance of scars

Dermatologist Dr. Justine Hextall explores the different types of scarring related to breast cancer treatment and how healthcare professionals can support patients to deal with it.

Bio-Oil is a cosmetic oil that can help reduce the appearance of scars especially after breast cancer surgery. Bio-Oil is the name of the oil and the name of the manufacturer of the product. The oil has a long ingredient list that includes calendula, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. Lavender has antifungal properties  and may even fight acne. It also contains vitamins E and A, and other skin-enhancing ingredients like tocopherol. Vitamin A can reduce the appearance of discoloration and fine lines. Retinol, sometimes called retinoids, is a much-studied topical anti-aging ingredient derived from vitamin A.

There are five different types of scars: Keloid, hypertrophic, atrophic, contracture and striae.  With the exception of keloid scars that may require specialist treatment, most can be cared for by the patient at home.

In all types of scarring, the skin will have long-term changes.  Scar tissue doesn’t have the same dermal layers that form the skin’s structure. They will also lack hair follicles and sweat glands.

From investigative procedures to surgical treatments, breast cancer patients are prone to developing scars at various stages of their cancer journey.  The below advice explains the different types of scars they might have been left with and what they can expect them to look like, which can help to better prepare them psychologically.

Mastectomy scars

The type of scar after a mastectomy will depend upon the surgical procedure undertaken. For example a mastectomy may remove the breast tissue but spare the skin and nipple. In others the skin and muscle may be removed and as such a more complicated repair is required and recovery time will be longer. The mastectomy scar shape and appearance will depend on the type of mastectomy undertaken. Most surgeons perform simple mastectomies by an elliptical incision (in the shape similar to that of an eye) that leaves a single scar across the chest. Elliptical incisions are designed so that the resulting scar runs parallel with existing skin creases. This usually provides a wound under less tension and orientates the scar in a direction that is less noticeable to the eye.

Breast reconstruction scars

Around 56% of women will opt to have a breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.  If the original breast skin can be saved, scars can be concealed in the infra-mammary fold, or around the areola, which is often tattooed to hide small scars. In cases where all of the breast is removed, a flap reconstruction is common (when a surgeon takes skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of the body and makes it into a breast shape).  Whilst breast scars can still be hidden, horizontal or lateral incisions from the nipple may be necessary.  In addition patients will have scarring at the tissue donor site taken for the flap, this is most often from the abdomen, upper back or rear buttocks.

Scar tissue from radiation therapy

After radiotherapy there is inflammation and damage to normal cells as well as cancer cells. These injured cells repair but the tissue is often hard and fibrotic causing a lumpy scar. Changes to the skin occur approximately 10-14 days after the onset of radiation treatment. The skin usually becomes red and inflamed and often darker in colour. This skin discolouration can last for months. Looking after the skin, minimising the inflammation and hydrating with an oil such as Bio-Oil and protecting the skin barrier can improve recovery.

Whilst a lumpectomy is a smaller procedure, it is still likely to leave a significant scar. Due to the nature of the procedure which aims to remove a portion of breast tissue around the lump, the scar could be positioned in a highly visible area and can leave a depressed section.

Psychological impact of scars

A survey of 1,000 people with scars carried out by Bio-Oil, highlighted that 49% feel their scar affected their body confidence.  Furthermore, one in five felt they might never fully accept their scar.  Whilst breast cancer treatment is already a highly emotional time, it’s important not to underestimate the impact scars can have on an individual’s mental wellbeing and how patients may differ in their views.  Some may see them as a symbol of survival, whilst others may see them as a constant reminder of a traumatic time.

Furthermore, in some patients concerns about their scars may have knock-on effects on other areas of their life such as forming relationship. In breast cancer patients, they might have concerns about intimacy and what their partner might think about their body.

You can help prepare the patient for the procedure they are undergoing by advising them on what to expect from their scar and providing information on wound and scar care to ensure the best possible outcome.

Time

Patients may be shocked by the initial appearance of their scar. Their scar will change over a period of 12-24 months (post-epithelialisation stage of scar formation) as it starts to settle down.

Wound care

There is a window of opportunity to help ensure a scar heals well. Factors such as bleeding, infection and wound opening up (dehiscence), as well as smoking, can disrupt the healing process.

Patients may find that their bra rubs against the scar area.  Once a scar has matured, this shouldn’t be an issue, but during the early stages advise them to wear a specialist post-surgical bra or choose a non-under-wired option.

If the scar isn’t healing, particularly if it is red and itchy and becoming more pronounced, patients should be advised to see their doctor. It may be that the scar is being over-active and topical treatments may be needed to reduce this activity.

• Bio-Oil side effects

Bio-Oil is generally considered safe, though there are certain risks and side effects associated with the product. Don’t use it if your skin or scars are cracked or bleeding. The oil contains fragrance, and it can be harmful if it gets into the body. It should also never be swallowed.

Linalool, a fragrance ingredient, is a known allergen Trusted Source in many people and is found in Bio-Oil.

If you’re allergic or sensitive to essential oils, don’t use Bio-Oil. It’s a good idea to do a skin patch test before using it for the first time. To do so, put a small amount of product on your forearm, and wait at least 30 minutes for signs of a reaction.

Where to get Bio-Oil

Bio-Oil is available www.qt-souq.com

The Takeaway

Bio-Oil is considered safe to use on your face as long as you’re not allergic to any of its ingredients or to essential oils.

Both anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that Bio-Oil may help reduce the appearance of scars, help reduce hyperpigmentation, and soften wrinkles. It could potentially help to prevent acne, but more conclusive research is still needed.

Bio-Oil has developed a patient guide including a CARE acronym to help patients understand their scars and how they can care for them during the scar maturation process.

Bio-Oil has produced a number of resources and a Revalidation CPD accredited training module ‘Managing Scarring in Primary Care’ for nurses to support Continued Professional Development and improve knowledge around the different types of scarring and how they should be treated.

DISCLAIMER: This article is meant only for purpose of general information and not to be taken as professional medical advice.