Unfortunately, constipation is a common side effect of surgery. It can happen for a few reasons: pain medications, the anesthesia used, dehydration, food intake and lack of mobility. Symptoms of post-surgical constipation include: • A decrease in bowel movements. • Straining to pass stool. • Hard stools. • Bloating or gas. • Pain in the stomach or rectum. • Feeling of incomplete evacuation. Fortunately, there are steps to take before and after surgery that may help prevent post surgical constipation. Steps to take before surgery: • If you suffer from chronic constipation, tell both your doctor and anesthesiologist. • Drink plenty of water days leading up to the surgery. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and sodas as they make dehydration worse. • Eat fiber rich foods days leading up to your surgery. High fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, whole grains, and beans/lentils. Avoid dairy, processed foods, and refined grains such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta. • Purchase a stool softener before surgery so you have it available when you return home. Steps to take after surgery: • Keep the body moving. Short walks will help move food through the intestines and stimulate a bowel movement. • Drink plenty of water. Diluted fruit juices especially prune juice can help. • Eat fiber rich foods. • Eat regular meals and snacks. • Alternate pain relief. • Stool softeners. Constipation should never be ignored. If you develop constipation, don’t worry. With your medical professional’s help you can get your bowels back in order.
Treating “Mascne”
If the stress of COVID 19 did not make your skin break out, then wearing the mask might. As it is important to wear a mask many people are experiencing the unwanted side effect known as mascne. Yes “mascne” or “maskne” can be an annoying, frustrating skins issue. Mascne can be caused by either friction against the skin or trapped moisture/bacteria against our skin. The fabric from the mask causes a rubbing or friction against the skin resulting in irritation, inflammation and eventually acne. Add the trapped sweat, oil, moisture and bacteria from our breath under the mask, and this creates a perfect environment for acne. However, with a good skin care regimen, mascne can be prevented or minimized. Always wash your face before and after wearing a mask. Starting your day with clean skin under your mask helps to reduce the trapped oil and bacteria. Cleansing your face at the end of the day removes the built-up residue, oil and bacteria. It is important to use a gentle cleanser as you do not want to further irritate your skin. Applying a lightweight moisturizer with sunscreen will also help reduce irritation and friction. Moisturizer not only helps prevent irritation but can also soothe already inflamed skin. Avoid wearing makeup. Makeup is just one more thing that sits on your skin and clogs your pores, plus your beautifully applied makeup wipes off on the mask. Use this time to give your skin a break, “au natural” is in. It is also important to frequently change your mask especially after exercising and to wash your masks frequently. Keep in mind that not all mascne is caused by the mask. If you don’t see a difference in your skin after implementing the above tips, it is time to consult with a medical professional. Having the right skin care routine will help reduce mask related skin irritation and mascne.