skin cancer removed from scalp

beckard1 · 11-04-2009, 04:51 PM

I had a skin cancer I've had for many years (15-20) removed from my scalp yesterday. I am in a lot of pain and though I really want to style my hair, I am very nervous to try.

I do follow the CG method, but I think for the next bit I'm going to give it up because I cannot scrub my scalp for 2 min with conditioner, at least until the pain subsides. Any suggestions on hair care from those that have been through an issue that left an incision with stitches on the head?? They did cover the wound with dermabond to prevent the need for a bandage.

Should I avoid my gel? What about my usual diffusing??

I am scared to wet and style tomorrow even though allowed...

may1787 · 11-04-2009, 05:52 PM

Just to precede my opinion: I am a nurse. However, take all my opinions with a grain of salt and follow your doctor's advice (since he can see you and I can't). That being said...

I wouldn't scrub my head either. Just the consistent back and forth motioning can pull open a dermabond incision cover if the pull is strong enough. Same goes for diffusing. Just the idea of the heat on the dermabond makes me cringe a little. I can't say I know for certain what it would do, but I can imagine. If you diffuse with cold air I don't think there would be a problem though.

I think whatever styling you wanted to do would be fine as well as long as you aren't using acidic products.

Lastly, I wouldn't push past my pain threshold just to get my hair did.

However, you can always pop a tylenol, let it kick in, then go from there.

beckard1 · 11-05-2009, 10:52 AM

Thank you for your response! I wet but could not even lather any shampoo near the scalp, so I just got rid of the stuff on the ends (my hair isn't that long). Rinsed and conditioned. I put a little gel in that is not well distributed, almost wish I had not now since I cannot scrunch it out!! I did diffuse and was careful not to put eat or pressure near the site. Let's be honest, I could barely diffuse my head on that side anyway because of the pain. Just moving the hair hurts...

Going to rinse and condition and go au natural tomorrow

and probably until the pain subsides.