Skin Side Effects
During Cancer Treatment
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the entire body, including the skin. According to the American Cancer Society, dry skin, itching and rashes are among the most common skin concerns for cancer patients, and these issues can be due to the disease itself, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and even changes in activity levels. The key for keeping skin comfortable is caring for it properly—and making small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
DRY SKIN AND CANCER TREATMENT
Dry skin is an extremely common condition that anyone can experience, and it is usually due to dehydration, poor nutrition, dry air and extreme hot or cold. However, certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy drugs (such as tamoxifen), and stem cell transplants can lead to dry skin as well.1
Often caused by an insufficient amount of water or natural oils, signs of dry skin include flaking, roughness, itching, and a sensation of tightness. Fortunately, dry skin can usually be prevented (and improved) with a few simple skincare steps.
Dry skin is an extremely common condition that anyone can experience, and it is usually due to dehydration, poor nutrition, dry air and extreme hot or cold. However, certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy drugs (such as tamoxifen), and stem cell transplants can lead to dry skin as well.1
Often caused by an insufficient amount of water or natural oils, signs of dry skin include flaking, roughness, itching, and a sensation of tightness. Fortunately, dry skin can usually be prevented (and improved) with a few simple skincare steps.
If left untreated, excessively dry skin can lead to redness and cracks in the skin that may bleed.
Keep an eye out for signs of infection such as tenderness or pus around broken skin. If you experience these signs of excessively dry skin, be sure to alert your cancer care team.
An extra dry skin tip…
Add mineral oil or baby oil to warm bath water, or apply after showering while skin is still damp. (This can make you and the floor slippery, so hold onto something when walking around barefoot.)
1 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems/skin-dryness.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.
ITCHY SKIN AND CANCER TREATMENT
Itching can be more than an uncomfortable nuisance, especially while undergoing cancer treatment. Often associated with dry skin, itchy skin is also a common side effect of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy drugs, and immunotherapy. Pain medications, nausea-reducing drugs, and hormone treatments can lead to itching as well2.
When you have cancer, it’s important to be mindful of itching—and subsequent scratching that can potentially break the skin and lead to bleeding and/or infection. Be sure to take note of when your skin gets itchy, such as after a treatment or taking medication, and let your cancer care team know if:
Itching can be more than an uncomfortable nuisance, especially while undergoing cancer treatment. Often associated with dry skin, itchy skin is also a common side effect of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy drugs, and immunotherapy. Pain medications, nausea-reducing drugs, and hormone treatments can lead to itching as well2.
When you have cancer, it’s important to be mindful of itching—and subsequent scratching that can potentially break the skin and lead to bleeding and/or infection. Be sure to take note of when your skin gets itchy, such as after a treatment or taking medication, and let your cancer care team know if:
- You develop itchy skin or areas of dry, red, rough, or flaky skin, as well as bumps, rashes, or sores.
- Itchy skin (and/or scratching) persists, worsens, or leads to more serious concerns such as bleeding, blisters or crusting.
- Itching causes anxiety or loss of sleep.
- Keep your skin moisturized. Apply hydrating lotions or creams immediately after bathing while skin is still damp, and as often as needed throughout the day.
- Avoid hot baths and showers. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
- Gently pat your skin dry after bathing. (Don’t rub or scrub.)
- Only use mild, unscented soaps, detergents, and personal-care products.
- Wear loose clothing made of soft, non-irritating fabric.
- Ask your doctor about topical and/or oral anti-itch medications such as antihistamines.
2 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems/itching.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.
SKIN RASHES AND CANCER TREATMENT
A skin rash can develop after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or stem cell transplants. Although a rash most often occurs within a few weeks after treatment, skin reactions can develop at any time during cancer treatment. Skin rashes can appear at the treatment site, or another area of the body. These reactions can itch, burn, sting, or even be painful3 —and it’s important to let your cancer care team know if you develop a rash or experience any other skin changes.
According to the American Cancer Society, these are the most common rashes associated with cancer treatment:
A skin rash can develop after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or stem cell transplants. Although a rash most often occurs within a few weeks after treatment, skin reactions can develop at any time during cancer treatment. Skin rashes can appear at the treatment site, or another area of the body. These reactions can itch, burn, sting, or even be painful3 —and it’s important to let your cancer care team know if you develop a rash or experience any other skin changes.
According to the American Cancer Society, these are the most common rashes associated with cancer treatment:
- Papulopustular eruption: Often itchy and painful, this rash usually occurs on the chest, upper back, or face. It is common in patients who receive certain targeted treatment drugs.
- Radiation dermatitis: This is a rash that develops in patients undergoing radiation, and it generally occurs on and around the treatment area. It may be mild or severe depending on the location of the radiation, how much skin is affected, the total radiation dose, and the length of the radiation treatment.
- Radiation recall: This type of rash develops on an area of the body that was previously treated with radiation. It may occur when a person receives chemotherapy or targeted therapy drugs after completing radiation therapy.
- Hand-foot syndrome: Some patients may develop redness, swelling, pain, and/or tingling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
A tip for finding the source of a rash…
If you have cancer and develop a new rash, chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments aren’t always the culprit. Try to identify any new medications, soaps, detergents, or foods that might have caused a skin reaction.
3 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems/skin-rash.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.
CANCER AND SKIN COLOR CHANGES
Cancer treatments and cancer itself can affect many parts and systems of the body. Skin reactions such as rashes can be one side effect of cancer and its treatment, but the color of the skin can also be an indicator that something else may be going on within the body. If you experience any changes in skin color, it’s imperative to alert your doctor or cancer care team. Be sure to let them know if any changes in skin color are accompanied by a rash, itching, or swelling in the surrounding area.
Depending on the cause, changes in skin color can be short-lived or longer-lasting. Once your doctor or another member of your cancer care team has a chance to assess your skin, they should be able to let you know the cause as well as how long it will last or will order additional testing that can help identify the source.
Keep an eye on your hands… Some patients may experience a condition called hand-foot syndrome, which causes redness swelling, pain, and/or tingling in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Be sure to tell your cancer care team if you experience any of these symptoms.
4 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems/skin-color-changes.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.
WOUNDS AND SCARS
When it comes to cancer, the first wounds that come to mind are likely those associated with surgical incisions. However, prolonged pressure on specific spots when confined to bed or a wheelchair can cause skin sores, and tumor growth can lead to internal wounds as well5.
Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. A few signs that may indicate your wound requires medical attention include:
Redness, bruising, or scaling of the surrounding skin
Uncontrollable bleeding
Swelling around the wound
A sensation of heat in the affected area
Pain or tenderness around the wound
Foul-smelling drainage or pus
Wound-care tips
For starters, always wash hands thoroughly both before and after tending to a wound. In addition, the American Cancer Society suggests:
When it comes to cancer, the first wounds that come to mind are likely those associated with surgical incisions. However, prolonged pressure on specific spots when confined to bed or a wheelchair can cause skin sores, and tumor growth can lead to internal wounds as well5.
Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. A few signs that may indicate your wound requires medical attention include:
Wound-care tips
For starters, always wash hands thoroughly both before and after tending to a wound. In addition, the American Cancer Society suggests:
- Always follow your doctor’s wound care instructions and make sure all supplies are approved by your doctor.
- Unless you’re told otherwise, clean the wound daily with soap and water, rinse well, and gently pat the area dry with a towel.
- Dress wounds as instructed, or use sterile, non-stick gauze and paper tape.
- Keep dressings clean and dry. If it gets wet or dirty, change it immediately.
- If a wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a cool cloth or ice pack until it stops. Then proceed with changing the dressing.
- Avoid placing tape directly on the skin. Use a skin-prep solution to create a protective layer between the skin and tape. If possible, wrap gauze over the bandage and secure the gauze with tape.
- Use all medications (both oral and topical) as directed.
- Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking the wounds and scabs.
- If your wound is painful, ask your doctor about medications that can ease discomfort.
A nutrition tip…
Be sure your diet includes citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish, and eggs. These foods contain protein, vitamins, and minerals that help promote optimal wound healing.
5 https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/skin-problems/scars-and-wounds.html
Reference:
La Roche-Posay created this article with materials sourced from the American Cancer Society, a trusted leader in cancer-related information and resources. La Roche-Posay is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to provide cancer support resources and funding to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Program.