Helping your child/teen cope with body changes
Body image is how children or teens view themselves or think that others see them. For teenagers, body
image is a very important part of how they define who they are.
The treatments your child/teen receives may cause changes to his or her body. These changes can be
stressful to you and your child/teen. It is important to remember that most changes are temporary, and
you can help your child/teen cope. Some of the most common changes that occur include the following:
Hair loss
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Hair loss can include all body hair—eyebrows, eyelashes, chest and pubic hair, and nose hair.
The loss of nose hair can cause a heightened sense of smell. Try to avoid strong scents such as
detergents, perfumes and colognes that may bother patients.
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Some patients find it helpful to cut their hair short once it starts falling out. This gives patients a
sense of control over the loss and helps with some of the itching that goes along with hair falling
out.
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Some patients like to use wigs, hats, scarves and bandanas. These items can also help to identify
the patient’s gender. Your social worker can help you find resources for wigs, hats, scarves and
“Hip Hats.” Hip Hats are comfortable hats with hair attached.
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You can purchase plain hats and bandanas for you and your child/teen to decorate. You can even
have friends and family members sign the hats as a way of showing their support for the patient.
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Some patients like to dye their hair or get a silly haircut before their hair falls out. It can be a fun
way of coping with this loss. Please check with the doctor before using any hair dye.
Weight loss and weight gain
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Some patients may refuse to take medicines because of the side effects. If the medicine causes
weight gain or weight loss, try talking with your child/teen about why the medicine is needed.
Your words may help him or her understand the changes to the body that are occurring and that
these changes are not permanent.
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Some patients find it helpful to make a calendar of how long they will have to take medicines that
cause changes in weight.
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Encourage some physical activity when your child/teen is feeling up to it (such as walks or biking
provided by physical therapy).
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Check with a nutritionist who can provide your child/teen with a helpful, healthy diet.
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Acne
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Talk with your doctor about proper skin care and cleansing options.
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Try different types of make-up and concealers.
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Check with your child life specialist about the Look Good, Feel Better Program for teens.
Scars, surgery sites, loss of limbs, ports, lines, etc.
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Talk with your doctor before surgery to ask about possible scarring and changes in body function.
Knowing what to expect will help you and your child/teen prepare for these changes so they are
not such a shock.
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Try different types of make-up and concealers once the area is healed.
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Different styles of clothing may be used to cover areas that your child/teen does not want other
people to see.
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Check with your child life specialist about possibly meeting other patients who have had similar
experiences.
Body changes may make your child/teen feel odd or uncomfortable about the way he or she looks. Some
patients may want to avoid their friends, school, public places or having pictures taken. Within reason,
try to respect your child/teen’s wishes while continuing to set appropriate limits.
Using the Internet, phone and letters are all ways your child/teen can have contact with peers and still
have the privacy he or she desires. In time, most patients adjust to these changes and return to their
normal activities.
You can support your child/teen during this time by:
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Listening if and when he or she wants to talk about these body image changes;
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Giving him or her outlets for expression (such as journals, art projects, etc.); and
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Letting him or her know that you understand his or her feelings. (“It is OK to feel sad or mad about
these body changes.”)
Resources
Remember, your child life specialist is here to support you and your child/teen. This hospital staff
member can offer many ideas for coping with body image changes or refer you to other specialists.
Also, check out these Web sites:
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www.headcovers.com
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www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
Adapted with permission from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Revised 2/04
UC Davis Cancer Center 12/06
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